About Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College serves 12,049 students in Arizona's third-largest city, functioning as both a transfer center and career training center. The school has built a reputation for affordable education and practical programs since its founding in 1965. Students can choose from traditional academic pathways designed for university transfer or dive into career-focused programs that connect directly to local employers. The student-faculty ratio of 16:1 allows for more personal attention than you'd find at larger institutions.
The financial picture looks compelling for most students. Average net price sits at $13,438, but students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,407 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $44,034 ten years out, while carrying relatively modest debt of $7,473. Monthly loan payments average only $79, making this education accessible without crushing financial burden. Only 20% of students receive federal aid, suggesting many can afford the low sticker price of $2,358 for in-state tuition.
The student body reflects Arizona's diversity, with 36% Hispanic and 42% white students. Nearly all students (98%) come from Arizona, creating a strong local connection. The Thunderbirds compete in 18 varsity sports with 220 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics and career preparation.
The financial picture looks compelling for most students. Average net price sits at $13,438, but students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,407 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $44,034 ten years out, while carrying relatively modest debt of $7,473. Monthly loan payments average only $79, making this education accessible without crushing financial burden. Only 20% of students receive federal aid, suggesting many can afford the low sticker price of $2,358 for in-state tuition.
The student body reflects Arizona's diversity, with 36% Hispanic and 42% white students. Nearly all students (98%) come from Arizona, creating a strong local connection. The Thunderbirds compete in 18 varsity sports with 220 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics and career preparation.
Academics & Faculty
Mesa Community College serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to instructors, though the 19% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities. The school offers strong career training programs in healthcare, automotive technology, and culinary arts that connect directly to Arizona's growing job market. Students can complete their general education requirements here before transferring to Arizona State University or Northern Arizona University. Only 7.3% of students take federal loans, keeping debt manageable for those who do borrow.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 19.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,034
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,964 |
| Ground Transportation. | Associate | $49,019 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $44,170 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $39,729 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $33,565 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,459 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $32,391 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,771 |
| Fire Protection. | Certificate | $30,409 |
Campus Life
Mesa sits just 20 miles east of Phoenix, putting students within easy reach of Arizona's largest metropolitan area. The campus spans 160 acres in Arizona's third-largest city, where sunshine dominates 300+ days per year and winter highs hover around 70 degrees. Students pack sunscreen, not winter coats, for most of the academic year.
With 12,049 students spread across a commuter campus, Mesa Community College buzzes with activity during weekday hours but quiets considerably on weekends. The 98.43% in-state enrollment creates a distinctly local feel, with many students working part-time jobs while completing their degrees. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for more personal attention than typical at large universities.
The Thunderbirds compete in 18 varsity sports with 220 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics for most students. Weekends often mean work shifts, family time, or exploring Phoenix's entertainment districts. The employment rate hits 94.3%, reflecting the college's strong connections to local employers and its role as a stepping stone to four-year degrees or immediate career entry.
With 12,049 students spread across a commuter campus, Mesa Community College buzzes with activity during weekday hours but quiets considerably on weekends. The 98.43% in-state enrollment creates a distinctly local feel, with many students working part-time jobs while completing their degrees. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for more personal attention than typical at large universities.
The Thunderbirds compete in 18 varsity sports with 220 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics for most students. Weekends often mean work shifts, family time, or exploring Phoenix's entertainment districts. The employment rate hits 94.3%, reflecting the college's strong connections to local employers and its role as a stepping stone to four-year degrees or immediate career entry.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1965
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–70°F
- July Avg
- 75°–105°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 8.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Mesa Community College draws students from across the Valley of the Sun, with 98% coming from Arizona. The student body reflects the changing demographics of the Phoenix metro area. Hispanic students make up more than one-third of enrollment, while white students represent the largest group at 42%. Women slightly outnumber men at 53%. One in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and working-class families. The school has become a gateway to higher education for Mesa's diverse population seeking affordable career training and university transfer pathways.
- Men
- 46.7%
- Women
- 53.3%
- White
- 41.6%
- Black
- 6.2%
- Hispanic
- 36.0%
- Asian
- 4.0%
- In-State Students
- 98.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.1%
Location
Mesa Community College sits in Mesa, Arizona, about 20 miles east of Phoenix in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. The college draws 98.43% of its students from in-state, reflecting its role as a local educational center in Arizona's third-largest city. Mesa's desert landscape offers year-round sunshine and outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking in the nearby Superstition Mountains to exploring the Salt River. The city blends suburban neighborhoods with growing tech and aerospace industries. With over 500,000 residents, Mesa provides urban amenities while maintaining lower costs than Phoenix proper. Students considering colleges in Arizona may also compare Mesa Community College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Mesa, Arizona 85202
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,034
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,808
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 33.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $79/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,473
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Mesa Community College?
Mesa Community College has an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, meaning they accept all students who meet basic requirements. With 12,049 students enrolled, MCC serves as an accessible entry point into higher education for the diverse Phoenix metro area.
How much does Mesa Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $13,438 annually, though costs vary by income level. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $12,407, while in-state tuition starts at just $2,358 before aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Mesa Community College?
Mesa Community College maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors in this large urban setting. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on transfer preparation and career training programs.
What are the employment outcomes at Mesa Community College?
Graduates achieve a 94.3% employment rate, with median earnings of $44,034 ten years after enrollment. The college's strong ties to Arizona's growing tech and healthcare sectors help students transition into the workforce.
Where is Mesa Community College located and what is the campus like?
The campus sits in Mesa, Arizona, part of the sprawling Phoenix metropolitan area. With 98.43% in-state students and a diverse population that's 36% Hispanic and 42% White, MCC reflects the changing demographics of the Southwest.
Does Mesa Community College offer athletic scholarships?
The Thunderbirds compete in 18 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 220 total athletes. The athletic program provides $122,743 in scholarships, offering opportunities beyond academics in this desert college setting.
