About Eastern Arizona College
Students pay an average net price of $9,765 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in Arizona. In-state tuition costs just $2,352 before aid, while room and board adds $6,950 for on-campus living. Graduates earn a median of $38,018 ten years after starting college, which represents solid returns for a two-year investment. Only 17% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families who don't qualify for the most generous federal aid.
The 35.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and school. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide personal attention to help students succeed in their technical and agricultural programs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 38.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,018
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,144 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,771 |
Campus Life
Desert heat dominates the climate, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees and mild winters requiring only light jackets. The Gila River valley provides a green contrast to Arizona's typical desert landscape. Students often gather at the campus rodeo grounds or attend Gila Monsters athletic events, with 147 student-athletes competing across 8 sports. Weekend activities center around outdoor recreation in the nearby mountains or trips to larger cities. The campus maintains a small-town feel where faculty know students personally, reflected in the 19:1 student-faculty ratio. Many students work part-time jobs in agriculture or local businesses while completing their associate degrees.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 421 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1888
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–62°F
- July Avg
- 69°–99°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 8.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.9%
- Women
- 58.1%
- White
- 59.5%
- Black
- 2.5%
- Hispanic
- 22.6%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 93.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.2%
Location
- Address
- Thatcher, Arizona 85552-0769
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,018
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,805
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,100
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Eastern Arizona College?
Eastern Arizona College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned a GED. With 3,058 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in rural Arizona. The school attracts primarily local students, with 93.11% coming from within Arizona.
How much does Eastern Arizona College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,765 annually, though costs vary by family income. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,571 after aid, while higher-income families pay up to $15,217. Only 17.21% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the college's already affordable in-state tuition of $2,352.
What academic programs is Eastern Arizona College known for?
The college offers strong agricultural and technical programs that serve the rural community's workforce needs. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in their coursework. The school's practical focus helps prepare graduates for immediate employment in Arizona's agricultural and technical sectors.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Eastern Arizona College?
Eastern Arizona College achieves a 35.80% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the challenges many community college students face in completing degrees. Graduates earn a median salary of $38,018 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 81.1%. The college's focus on practical skills training helps students find work in Arizona's rural economy.
Where is Eastern Arizona College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Thatcher, Arizona, a remote town setting that creates a close-knit community atmosphere. With housing capacity for 421 students and a total enrollment of 3,058, most students commute from the surrounding area. The campus serves as a center for the local community, with the Gila Monsters competing in eight NJCAA sports.
How strong is the athletic program at Eastern Arizona College?
The Gila Monsters field 147 student-athletes across eight varsity sports in NJCAA competition. The college invests $2,421,164 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating a significant commitment to sports for a small rural institution. Athletics provide opportunities for students who might not otherwise afford college while building school spirit in the remote community.
