About Estrella Mountain Community College
The financial picture here tells a compelling story. Students typically pay around $12,211 after aid, which represents excellent value considering graduates earn a median of $44,356 within ten years. Even more impressive, recent graduates start with median earnings of $53,357 in their first year out. With median debt of just $7,500 and monthly loan payments averaging $80, most students avoid the crushing debt loads that plague four-year college graduates.
The student body reflects Arizona's changing demographics, with 58.75% Hispanic students and women making up 61.61% of enrollment. Only 23.16% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from working families who earn too much for maximum aid but still need affordable education. The 93.5% employment rate shows this practical approach pays off in real job opportunities.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 24.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,356
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,512 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $33,459 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $33,281 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | Certificate | $28,133 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Certificate | $27,947 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $27,181 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $26,739 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,739 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $26,643 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,580 |
Campus Life
Women make up 61.61% of the student body, with 58.75% of students identifying as Hispanic. Class sizes average 23 students per instructor, creating a more personal feel than larger universities. With only 4 varsity sports and 18 total athletes, the Mountain Lions keep athletics small-scale. Weekends see most students working or spending time with family rather than attending campus events. The 93.5% employment rate reflects the reality that many students juggle classes with jobs. Monthly loan payments average just $80, keeping debt manageable for students focused on career training or transferring to Arizona's four-year universities.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1992
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 42°–66°F
- July Avg
- 81°–106°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 8.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 38.4%
- Women
- 61.6%
- White
- 23.8%
- Black
- 7.3%
- Hispanic
- 58.8%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.2%
Location
- Address
- Avondale, Arizona 85392-1000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,356
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,359
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 30.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $80/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Estrella Mountain Community College?
Estrella Mountain maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming all students regardless of academic background. The college serves 6,424 students and focuses on providing accessible education to the diverse Avondale community. Students can enroll in career training programs or use the college as a stepping stone to four-year universities.
How much does Estrella Mountain Community College cost after financial aid?
In-state tuition costs $2,358 annually, making it one of the most affordable college options in Arizona. The average net price is $12,211, though only 23.16% of students receive financial aid. Students typically graduate with just $7,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of only $80.
What academic programs is Estrella Mountain Community College known for?
The college specializes in career training programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment after graduation. With a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, classes focus on practical skills development. The school also provides strong transfer pathways for students planning to continue their education at four-year universities.
What job prospects do Estrella Mountain Community College graduates have?
Graduates achieve a 93.5% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on career-ready training. Median earnings reach $53,357 just one year after graduation, demonstrating the value of the college's workforce preparation programs. The 24.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the part-time nature of many students who balance work and family commitments.
Where is Estrella Mountain Community College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Avondale, Arizona, a large suburban area west of Phoenix. With 61.61% female enrollment and a predominantly Hispanic student body at 58.75%, the college reflects the local community's demographics. The Mountain Lions compete in NJCAA athletics with 4 varsity sports and only 18 total athletes.
Is Estrella Mountain Community College a good value for Hispanic students?
The college serves a majority Hispanic population at 58.75%, making it one of Arizona's most diverse higher education institutions. Founded in 1992, it has grown to become a vital educational resource for the Latino community in the Phoenix metro area. The low tuition of $2,358 and strong employment outcomes make it particularly accessible for first-generation college students.
