Maricopa Community Colleges has unveiled its five-year plan to expand the system’s highly successful bachelor’s degree programs. Beginning in Fall 2027, the nation’s largest community college system is planning to launch multiple baccalaureate degrees annually for five consecutive years. Degree offerings will be strategically distributed by college location and industry need.
“Over the past two years, we have leveraged a collaborative, strategic approach in developing and launching bachelor’s degree programs that demonstrate both a workforce need and continued occupational growth,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. “As the largest provider of postsecondary education in Arizona, our programs not only provide a crucial access point, but prepare our students to move into careers that will transform their futures.”
A Better Way to Do Bachelor’s Degrees
By 2032, Maricopa Community Colleges anticipates offering 26 baccalaureate degrees across the 10-college system, expanding access to affordable, high-quality education to students throughout Maricopa County. Future bachelor’s degree programs identified are concentrated in critical workforce sectors, including health care, information technology, finance, construction, and artificial intelligence, among others. The system’s five-year roadmap provides an agile, adaptable framework to ensure it keeps pace with growing student and workforce demands.
By the Numbers
Maricopa Community Colleges' bachelor’s degrees have experienced tremendous growth, with enrollment soaring to more than 7,600 students in the first two years, exceeding projections. Today, 23% of bachelor’s degree students are enrolled in upper-division courses through their respective programs. Additionally, 28% of students pursuing a bachelor’s degree are enrolled at multiple colleges, highlighting the system’s intentional approach to supporting students in attaining coursework toward their bachelor’s degree throughout the Valley.
Student demographics reflect the strong demand for Maricopa’s bachelor’s degree programs as well as the accessibility they provide:
- 45% of Maricopa’s bachelor’s degree students are full-time, reflecting the desire to complete a bachelor’s degree in a shorter period of time.
- 39% are adult learners, 30 years and older.
- 60% of students are the first in their families to attend college.
- 78% are continuing or former Maricopa students.
“In today’s economic climate, the cost of attendance continues to be a key factor for students when determining if they can pursue postsecondary education,” continued Chancellor Gonzales. “We have been intentional in ensuring our bachelor’s degree programs meet students where they are—that means creating affordable pathways.”
Today, 24 states, including Arizona, authorize community colleges to confer bachelor’s degrees. Across the U.S., 203 public community colleges confer baccalaureate degrees. During the 2022-23 academic year, community colleges awarded 22,104 bachelor's degrees across public, tribal, and independent community colleges.
What’s Next?
Together, the system and 10 colleges are working to enhance current bachelor’s degree offerings through expanded work-based learning opportunities, strengthening tutoring in specialized courses, and increasing career services.
To learn more about Maricopa Community Colleges' current bachelor’s degree offerings, click here.