Skip to main content
$2,358Tuition
3,473Students
20%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$46,147Earnings
#19 in ArizonaPublic4-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About GateWay Community College

GateWay Community College serves 3,473 students in the heart of Phoenix, making it one of Arizona's larger community colleges. Founded in 1992, the school has built a strong reputation for career-focused programs that get students into the workforce quickly. The college attracts students who want practical training without the cost and time commitment of a traditional four-year degree. About 70% of students are women, and over half are Hispanic, reflecting the diverse demographics of Phoenix's growing population.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for Arizona residents. In-state students pay just $2,358 in tuition, and the average net price is $12,871 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $46,147 ten years after starting, which means most students see a solid return on their investment. The typical debt load is only $6,750, with monthly loan payments around $72. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $12,010, making college accessible for working-class students.

The school maintains a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, giving students more personal attention than they'd find at large universities. However, the 19.6% graduation rate within six years reflects the reality that many community college students juggle work and family responsibilities while studying part-time.

Academics & Faculty

GateWay Community College serves as a transfer pathway and career training center in Phoenix's diverse educational landscape. With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, students get more personal attention than they would at most large universities, though the 19.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students balance work, family, and school simultaneously. The college focuses heavily on health sciences programs, including nursing and medical assisting, which align with Phoenix's growing healthcare sector. About 70% of students are women, often reflecting the strong enrollment in healthcare and social service programs. The low monthly loan payment of $72 shows that students typically graduate with manageable debt loads, making this an affordable option for career changes or university transfer preparation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
19.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
19.6%
Retention Rate
60.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,147

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $57,995
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $57,168
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $48,667
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $47,260
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $37,208
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $34,847
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $34,348
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Certificate $33,281
Culinary Arts and Related Services. Certificate $29,685
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. Certificate $28,598

View all 124 programs →

Campus Life

GateWay Community College sits in the heart of Phoenix, where you'll need sunscreen year-round and summer temperatures regularly hit 115 degrees. The campus serves 3,473 students in Arizona's largest city, meaning internships and part-time jobs are everywhere. With 70% of students being women and 52% Hispanic, the student body reflects Phoenix's diverse population.

Most students commute to campus since community colleges don't offer dorms. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors actually know your name, but you won't find the typical college social scene here. Students often work while taking classes, which explains why only 29% receive financial aid despite the low $2,358 in-state tuition. Weekends aren't about campus parties but rather studying at local coffee shops, working shifts, or spending time with family. The Lions compete in just 4 varsity sports with 110 total athletes, so school spirit centers more around academic programs than athletics. Phoenix offers hiking trails, professional sports teams, and countless restaurants when you need a break from studies.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1992

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
46°–67°F
July Avg
84°–106°F
Annual Precipitation
7.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

GateWay Community College draws students from across the Phoenix metro area who need flexible, affordable education options. With 70% women and 52% Hispanic students, the college reflects Arizona's changing demographics and serves many first-generation college students. The student body skews older than traditional four-year schools, with many working adults balancing jobs and family responsibilities. Most students come from lower-income backgrounds, making the $2,358 in-state tuition crucial for their educational goals. The college has become a stepping stone for local residents seeking career training or transfer preparation without leaving their community.
Men
29.7%
Women
70.3%
White
25.3%
Black
11.1%
Hispanic
51.9%
Asian
3.5%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
28.6%

Location

GateWay Community College sits in Phoenix, Arizona's sprawling urban landscape, serving the nation's fifth-largest city with 3,473 students. Phoenix brings year-round sunshine and a growing job market, though summer temperatures regularly hit 115 degrees. The college draws from Phoenix's diverse population, with 51.89% Hispanic students reflecting the city's demographics. Students here live in a major metropolitan area with internship opportunities across healthcare, technology, and business sectors. The desert setting means outdoor activities happen mostly in fall, winter, and spring months. Students considering colleges in Arizona may also compare GateWay Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
GateWay Community College campus
GateWay Community College campus
GateWay Community College campus
GateWay Community College campus
GateWay Community College campus
GateWay Community College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,147
Median Earnings (5 years)
$59,678
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,700
Loan Repayment Rate
32.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$72/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at GateWay Community College?

Community colleges like GateWay typically have open enrollment policies, meaning they accept all students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 3,473 students primarily as a stepping stone to four-year universities or for workforce training. GateWay focuses on accessibility rather than selectivity in admissions.

How much does GateWay Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $12,871 across all income levels, with lower-income students paying around $12,010. In-state tuition starts at just $2,358 before aid, making it one of the most affordable college options in Arizona. Only 28.62% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already low sticker price.

What is the student-faculty ratio at GateWay Community College?

The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. However, the retention rate is 60.71%, meaning about 4 in 10 students don't return for their second year. The school offers practical, career-focused programs designed for quick entry into the workforce.

What are the graduation rates at GateWay Community College?

The 4-year graduation rate is 19.55%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Despite modest graduation rates, 97.2% of graduates find employment after leaving. The school serves as both a transfer pathway and direct workforce preparation.

Where is GateWay Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Phoenix, Arizona's large urban environment with 3,473 total students. Women make up 70.34% of the student body, and 51.89% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the diverse Phoenix community. The Lions compete in 4 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 110 total athletes.

How much do GateWay Community College graduates earn after graduation?

Graduates earn a median of $46,147 ten years after starting college, with strong immediate employment prospects at 97.2%. Monthly loan payments average just $72, reflecting the school's affordable nature and modest debt loads. The low median debt of $6,750 makes GateWay an attractive option for cost-conscious students.