Maricopa Community Colleges and Notre Dame de Namur University Announce New Transfer Pathway Partnership

Monday, September 29, 2025
Image of female student holding text book while smiling in a hallway.

Maricopa Community Colleges, the largest community college system in the nation, is proud to announce a new transfer articulation agreement with Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU). This partnership expands transfer opportunities for students attending the 10-college system, allowing them to continue their education and complete a bachelor’s degree program. 

"Our partnership with Notre Dame de Namur University advances forward-thinking transfer pathways that combine affordability with innovation, ensuring students have clear, seamless routes to completing their degrees,” said Rose Rojas, District Director for Curriculum and Transfer at Maricopa Community Colleges."

Transferring Made Easy
Maricopa Community Colleges and NDNU have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), expanding opportunities for students across the 10-college system to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree program offered at NDNU. 

“This partnership exemplifies NDNU’s mission of access and equity in higher education,” said Beth Martin, PhD, President of Notre Dame de Namur University. “By working together with Maricopa Community Colleges, we are ensuring that more students—especially those from underserved communities—can seamlessly continue their education and achieve their bachelor’s degree goals. I especially want to thank Erica Dominguez, NDNU Project Director of the Success in Transfer & Retention for Students (STARS) Project, for her leadership and dedication in making this partnership possible.”

How It Works
The MOU establishes:

  • Guaranteed transfer of at least 60 credits upon completion of an associate degree—Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Business.
  • Up to 78 credits accepted in some pathways.
  • Acceptance of the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) to satisfy lower-division general education requirements.
  • Two transfer degree options: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Why It Matters
The agreement underscores the commitment of both institutions to removing transfer obstacles and supporting the success of students from all backgrounds. As part of the partnership, NDNU will participate in Maricopa transfer fairs, provide annual data on transfer outcomes, and work closely with faculty and advisors to ensure a smooth transition for students.

Greg White, PhD, Senior Vice President and Provost of NDNU, added, “We are dedicated to making the transfer process as seamless and transparent as possible. With Maricopa Community Colleges’ wide range of online programs and this partnership with NDNU, students gain a clear pathway into high-quality online degree completion programs. This collaboration ensures students can finish their bachelor’s degrees without losing time or credits—removing barriers and keeping them on track to succeed.” 

By the Numbers
National Transfer Student Week, held this year from October 20 to 24, 2025, celebrates the achievements of transfer students on college campuses nationwide. Community colleges serve as a starting point for higher education, with 41% of undergraduates beginning their studies at these institutions. During the 2023-24 academic year, 8,383 students transferred to one of the system’s numerous university partners, including Arizona’s three public universities.

Maricopa Community Colleges’ expansive network of transfer partnerships removes barriers and provides students with additional pathways to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. 

To learn more about Maricopa Community Colleges' transfer partnerships, click here.