About Central Arizona College
Students from low-income families pay just $2,321 after aid, making this one of the most affordable paths to career training in Arizona. Graduates earn a median of $40,513 ten years after starting, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $10,010. The 87.5% employment rate shows employers value the practical skills students learn here. Monthly loan payments average only $106, making the debt burden light for most graduates.
The Vaqueros compete in 9 varsity sports with 247 total athletes sharing $883,561 in athletic scholarships. Women make up 62.6% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in nursing and early childhood education programs. Hispanic students represent 42.3% of enrollment, making Central Arizona College a Hispanic-serving institution. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures hands-on attention in labs and workshops where students master skills employers actually need.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 23.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,513
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $59,124 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $30,277 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Certificate | $25,967 |
Campus Life
The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates a tight-knit community where professors know your name. Women make up 62.59% of students, and 98.08% come from in-state, giving the campus a distinctly Arizona feel. The Vaqueros compete in 9 NJCAA sports with 247 total athletes, and athletic scholarships total $883,561 annually. Weekends often revolve around rodeo culture and outdoor activities in the Sonoran Desert. Many students work part-time on local farms or commute from surrounding towns like Casa Grande and Florence. The campus serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to Arizona State or Northern Arizona University.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 250 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1961
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 39°–68°F
- July Avg
- 78°–106°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 7.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 37.4%
- Women
- 62.6%
- White
- 31.4%
- Black
- 5.4%
- Hispanic
- 42.3%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 98.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.7%
Location
- Address
- Coolidge, Arizona 85128-9030
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,513
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,993
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 29.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $106/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,010
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Central Arizona College?
Central Arizona College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college serves 4,892 students across its rural Arizona campus. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, reflecting its mission to serve the local agricultural and technical workforce needs.
How much does Central Arizona College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $4,591 after aid, making it highly affordable for Arizona families. In-state tuition starts at just $2,250, while the lowest-income students pay only $2,321 net. About 29% of students receive federal Pell Grants, though only 3% take out federal loans due to the low costs.
What programs is Central Arizona College known for?
The college specializes in agricultural and technical programs that serve rural Arizona's economy. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention in hands-on fields. The Vaqueros compete in 9 varsity sports through the NJCAA, reflecting the school's connection to Arizona's ranching heritage.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Central Arizona College?
Graduates earn a median of $40,513 ten years after enrollment, competitive for a two-year degree. The employment rate reaches 87.5%, showing strong demand for the college's technical and agricultural graduates. However, only 23.5% complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many working students face.
Where do students live at Central Arizona College?
The rural-fringe campus in Coolidge houses just 250 students in on-campus facilities. Most of the 4,892 enrolled students commute from surrounding agricultural communities. Room and board costs $8,786 for those who do live on campus, adding to the small-town college experience.
Does Central Arizona College offer athletic scholarships?
The college distributes $883,561 in athletic scholarships across 247 student-athletes competing as the Vaqueros. With 9 varsity sports in the NJCAA, athletics provide opportunities for rural Arizona students to continue competing. The athletic programs complement the school's agricultural focus, with many student-athletes studying ranch management and related fields.
