With the new academic year quickly approaching, Maricopa Community Colleges is proud to announce that the vast majority of its students—93%—graduate without student loan debt, making it one of the most successful and affordable higher education options in Arizona. According to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), only 7% of students across all 10 Maricopa Community Colleges take out federal student loans, with an average loan amount of $3,765. These official figures, reported by the federal government, highlight the system’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education without saddling its students with long-term financial burdens.
“Affordable education isn’t just an investment in our students, it’s an investment in our communities and Arizona’s growing economy," said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. “By earning a postsecondary education, students gain a pathway into good-paying jobs. As a system of 10 colleges, we pride ourselves in creating educational opportunities for all learners—because upward mobility should not be limited. As a result, a majority of our students graduate with no student loan debt.”
The Valley’s Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees
In addition to its associate and certificate programs, Maricopa Community Colleges offers Arizona’s most affordable bachelor’s degree programs, giving students a high-quality, career-focused education at a fraction of the cost of four-year universities. Its tuition rates remain among the lowest in the state, with upper division courses starting at $145.50 per credit hour, allowing students to complete their entire four-year degree within the system, saving tens of thousands of dollars in comparison to other educational institutions.
The expanding bachelor’s programs include critical fields such as Information Technology, Nursing, Public Safety Administration, Behavioral Health, Early Childhood Education, and more. Designed with both traditional and non-traditional students in mind, these programs combine flexibility and affordability with occupational relevance, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready without the heavy price tag of a typical university bachelor’s degree.
Expansive Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships play a significant role in keeping affordable, life-changing education within reach of Maricopa students. Each year, scholarships award millions of dollars in free money to students across the 10 colleges, with opportunities available for first-time students, returning adults, high-achieving scholars, and those with financial need.
The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, along with numerous community partners, makes over 600 scholarships available—including those offered through the Maricopa Promise Program—that cover tuition, fees, textbooks, and other expenses. Many of these awards require only a single, streamlined application, making it easier for students to get the support they need to start—and finish—their education debt-free.
Reducing Costs Through Open Educational Resources (OER)
Maricopa Community Colleges is a leader in lowering textbook costs through its support of Open Educational Resources (OER)—free and low-cost, high-quality learning materials that replace costly traditional textbooks. By offering OER in hundreds of courses, the colleges collectively save their students millions of dollars each year.
These resources not only lower expenses but also enhance learning by providing accessible, customizable materials available on day one of class. Students can access OER content from any device, eliminating barriers caused by delayed or unaffordable textbooks.
Why it Matters
According to the federal government, nearly 43 million individuals—one in six adult Americans—have federal student loan debt. Nationally, student loan debt continues to climb, surpassing $1.81 trillion. For many graduates, monthly student loan payments delay major life milestones such as buying a home, beginning a family, starting a business, or saving for retirement. By keeping tuition low, expanding scholarship access, and offering OER, Maricopa Community Colleges ensures that students can invest in their education—and their future—without the long-term burden of high student debt.
Key Facts: Maricopa Community Colleges & Affordability
- 93% of students graduate debt-free.
- Only 7% of students take out federal student loans.
- $3,765 — average loan amount for those who borrow.
- Among the lowest tuition rates in Arizona.
- Nearly $8.4 million in scholarships awarded during the Spring 2025 semester.
- OER program saves students millions in textbook costs each year.
The 10-college system serves more than 140,000 students annually and educates more Arizona residents than any other college or university in the state. Learn more at maricopa.edu.