About Arizona Western College
Students pay an average net price of $9,582, making this one of Arizona's most affordable college options. In-state tuition runs just $3,020 annually. Graduates earn a median of $36,857 ten years after enrollment, while carrying only $4,826 in debt. Monthly loan payments average $51, making this education financially accessible for working-class families. The 92.9% employment rate shows employers value the practical training students receive.
The Matadors compete in seven NJCAA sports with 138 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total over $1.2 million, providing opportunities for student-athletes to continue their education. Most students come from in-state, with 95% choosing to stay close to home for their education. The college serves as both a career launcher and a stepping stone to four-year universities throughout Arizona.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 34.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 25.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,857
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $64,196 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $37,208 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $24,267 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $18,087 |
Campus Life
The student body reflects the region's demographics, with 73.80% Hispanic enrollment creating a bilingual campus atmosphere. Only 4.95% of students come from out-of-state, giving Arizona Western a tight community feel where classmates often grew up together. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name in career-focused programs. Weekends often involve trips across the border to Mexico or escaping the heat at the Colorado River, just 30 minutes away. The small residential population means campus life centers around athletics, study groups, and the air-conditioned student center during Arizona's brutal summer months.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 262 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1963
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 47°–69°F
- July Avg
- 82°–106°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 3.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.7%
- Women
- 60.3%
- White
- 11.2%
- Black
- 1.2%
- Hispanic
- 73.8%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 95.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.2%
Location
- Address
- Yuma, Arizona 85365-8834
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,857
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,791
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $25,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 35.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $51/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $4,826
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Arizona Western College?
Arizona Western College has open enrollment as a community college, meaning anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can attend. With 6,198 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in southwestern Arizona. The diverse student body is 73.80% Hispanic, reflecting the region's demographics.
How much does Arizona Western College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,582 after financial aid, with in-state tuition at just $3,020 per year. About 39.18% of students receive financial aid, and the typical graduate leaves with only $4,826 in debt. This makes AWC one of the most affordable pathways to higher education in Arizona.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Arizona Western College?
Arizona Western College maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The college focuses on career-oriented education and transfer preparation, serving as a stepping stone for students planning to continue at four-year universities. Most students come from Arizona, with 95.05% being in-state residents.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Arizona Western College?
The college has a 25.40% six-year graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges where many students transfer before completing their degree. Graduates achieve a 92.9% employment rate and earn a median salary of $36,857 ten years after enrollment. The low monthly loan payment of $51 reflects the school's commitment to affordable education.
Does Arizona Western College offer on-campus housing?
Arizona Western College provides on-campus housing for 262 students at $8,527 per year for room and board. The campus serves the Yuma area with a total cost of attendance of $13,547. Women make up 60.31% of the student body, creating a diverse residential community.
What sports teams does Arizona Western College have?
The Arizona Western Matadors compete in the NJCAA with 7 varsity sports and 138 total athletes. The college awards $1,220,227 in athletic scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes to continue their education affordably. Athletics complement the college's mission of serving the southwestern Arizona community since its founding in 1963.
