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$2,232Tuition
3,007Students
30%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$38,033Earnings
#16 in ArizonaPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Cochise County Community College District

Cochise College serves southeastern Arizona's border region with practical career training and university transfer pathways. The district enrolls 3,007 students across campuses in Sierra Vista and Douglas, drawing heavily from local Hispanic communities. With 51% Hispanic enrollment, the college reflects the cultural diversity of its desert setting near the Mexican border. Students can choose from workforce programs that connect directly to regional employers or academic tracks that prepare them for four-year universities.

The financial picture works in students' favor. Average net price sits at $7,420, while graduates earn a median of $38,033 ten years after starting. Students typically graduate with just $6,750 in debt and monthly loan payments of only $72. In-state tuition costs $2,232, making this one of Arizona's more affordable higher education options. Nearly 39% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and low-income students.

The student-faculty ratio of 14:1 ensures personal attention in small classes. Women make up 54% of enrollment, and 93% of students come from Arizona. The college fields six varsity sports teams competing in NJCAA athletics, with 111 total athletes receiving $566,456 in athletic scholarships. Employment rates reach 85.5% for graduates who enter the workforce directly.

Academics & Faculty

Cochise County Community College focuses on career training and transfer preparation for southeastern Arizona. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in smaller classes. However, the 30.3% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. The college serves a predominantly Hispanic population at 51%, offering programs that prepare students for local industries and four-year transfers. Students can choose from traditional academic pathways or workforce development programs tailored to the region's needs. With 93.35% of students coming from in-state, the college understands the specific economic and educational needs of southeastern Arizona communities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
42.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
30.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,033

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $57,047
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations. Associate $46,087
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations. Certificate $38,289
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $36,134
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $33,993
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $25,194
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Certificate $23,340
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Associate $21,964
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $19,227

View all 94 programs →

Campus Life

Sierra Vista sits near the Mexican border about 70 miles southeast of Tucson, surrounded by desert mountains and military installations. With 201 housing spots for 3,007 students, only about 7% live on campus at this commuter-heavy community college. Most students drive in from across southeastern Arizona, with 93% coming from in-state.

The Sonoran Desert climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and light jackets for winter evenings, but snow is rare at this 4,600-foot elevation. Fort Huachuca's military presence shapes the local economy and brings diverse families to the area. Students often work while attending classes, reflected in the 85.5% employment rate among graduates. Weekend activities center around outdoor recreation in nearby Coronado National Forest or trips to Tucson for bigger city amenities. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students personally in this tight-knit academic community. The college serves many first-generation college students, with 51% of enrollment being Hispanic and 38.6% receiving Pell Grants for financial support.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
201 beds
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
29°–61°F
July Avg
62°–91°F
Annual Precipitation
13.0"
Annual Snowfall
0.4"

Student Demographics

Cochise Community College draws primarily from southeastern Arizona, with 93% of students coming from in-state. The student body is majority Hispanic at 51%, reflecting the border region's demographics and the college's role serving local Latino communities. Women make up 54% of enrollment, typical for community colleges where nursing and education programs attract female students. Nearly 39% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training and transfer pathways. The diverse student mix mirrors the multicultural character of this Arizona border community.
Men
45.7%
Women
54.3%
White
33.9%
Black
4.5%
Hispanic
51.0%
Asian
1.5%
In-State Students
93.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
38.6%

Location

Sierra Vista sits in southeastern Arizona, about 70 miles southeast of Tucson. The college serves 3,007 students across two campuses in this high desert region near the Huachuca Mountains. Sierra Vista is a small city known for its military presence, home to Fort Huachuca Army base. The area offers outdoor recreation with hiking trails and desert landscapes typical of the Sonoran Desert. Over 93% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational center. The Hispanic population makes up 51% of the student body, reflecting the region's proximity to the Mexican border just 20 miles south. Students considering colleges in Arizona may also compare Cochise County Community College District with similar schools in the region.
Address
Sierra Vista, Arizona 85635-2317

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,033
Median Earnings (5 years)
$52,118
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$27,000
Loan Repayment Rate
41.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$72/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,750

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Cochise County Community College District?

Community colleges typically have open admission policies, making Cochise accessible to most students who apply. The college serves 3,007 students across its campuses in Sierra Vista and Douglas. With 93.35% of students coming from in-state, the college primarily serves southeastern Arizona residents seeking affordable higher education options.

What does it cost to attend Cochise County Community College District?

In-state students pay $2,232 in tuition while out-of-state students pay $6,000 annually. The average net price is $7,420, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,731 after financial aid. About 38.58% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working-class families in rural Arizona.

What academic programs is Cochise County Community College District known for?

The college focuses on career training and transfer programs with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio providing personalized attention. Students can choose from programs designed for immediate workforce entry or for transferring to four-year universities. The semester-based calendar system allows flexibility for students balancing work and education in this rural region.

What career outcomes do Cochise County Community College District graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median salary of $38,033 ten years after enrollment, with an 85.5% employment rate showing strong job market success. The 30.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing education with work and family responsibilities. Monthly loan payments average just $72, keeping debt manageable for graduates entering the workforce.

What is campus life like at Cochise County Community College District?

The college offers limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 201 students, reflecting its role as primarily a commuter school. Six varsity sports compete in the NJCAA with 111 total athletes receiving $566,456 in athletic scholarships. The student body is 54.31% women and diverse, with 51.01% Hispanic students reflecting the demographics of the Arizona-Mexico border region.

Does Cochise County Community College District serve military families?

Located in Sierra Vista near Fort Huachuca, the college has strong connections to the military community in southeastern Arizona. The affordable tuition and flexible programming appeal to active duty service members and veterans seeking career training. The college's Douglas campus also serves the unique educational needs of this border community with Mexico.