For the 12th consecutive year, Maricopa Community Colleges will receive zero dollars in state aid. Despite educating more Arizona residents than any other postsecondary institution in the state and providing the largest share of workforce development education, the nation’s largest community college system is again being denied funding that supports its operations. This legislative session, the system advocated for $7 million in state aid, a fraction of the $28.4 million the formula dictates the system should receive. The continued loss of state aid comes at a time when Arizona employers continue to face growing workforce demands across critical industries.
"The state has an obligation to provide support for its community colleges," said Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales. "As the largest community college system in the state, the lack of investment ultimately hurts Arizona’s long-term economic growth."
Funding Cuts Hit Home
Since 2015, Maricopa Community Colleges and Pima Community College have been excluded from state aid. As a result, the system has gone without more than $655 million in state support, a total that will continue to increase in fiscal year 2027.
In addition to not receiving state aid, the FY2027 budget also eliminates one-time funding that helped strengthen the state’s education ecosystem, including:
- Dual Enrollment ($1.5 million)
- Nurse Education Investment ($1.5 million)
- Adult Education Workforce Program ($6 million)
ROI That Fuels Arizona
Each year, economic impact studies highlight the return on investment that Maricopa Community Colleges brings to the state. In addition to generating $8.8 billion in economic impact and supporting one in 30 jobs in Maricopa County, a recent report highlights the system’s $13.3 billion in social benefits, which include $8.1 billion in added student income, $3.3 billion in added business income, and $226.3 million in social savings related to healthcare, the justice system, and income assistance in Arizona.
Additionally, for every public dollar invested in Maricopa Community Colleges, taxpayers receive:
- $1.40 in gains over the course of students’ working lives, an average annual return rate of 2.7%.
- $9.90 in benefits that will accrue to Arizona over the course of students’ careers for as long as they remain employed in the state.
Maricopa Community Colleges Continue to Lead
Despite the lack of state aid, Maricopa Community Colleges recently voted to keep tuition unchanged for the fourth consecutive year, approved a 5-year plan to expand its bachelor’s degree offerings, and announced a transformational $16 million grant from Arnold Ventures to support student success across the system.
"We’ve been a leader in higher education for decades, and I’m proud of our success despite the state’s lack of investment in our system," added Dr. Gonzales. "We will continue to act in the best interest of students, and we will continue to ask the state each year to reinstate operating aid to ensure we can continue supporting students, strengthening Arizona’s workforce, and meet the needs of our growing economy."
Learn more about Arizona’s largest workforce education provider at maricopa.edu.