Paradise Valley Community College: $2,358 Tuition

$2,358Tuition

4,076Students

20%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,196Earnings

#18 in ArizonaPublic4-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About Paradise Valley Community College

Paradise Valley Community College serves 4,076 students in the heart of Phoenix's large urban landscape. This community college has built its reputation around transfer programs that feed into Arizona's four-year universities and career training programs that connect directly to local employers. Founded in 1985, PVCC focuses on helping students either launch into bachelor's degree programs or enter the workforce with marketable skills. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that's often missing at larger institutions.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for Arizona residents. In-state students pay just $2,358 in tuition, and the average net price settles at $13,478 after aid. Graduates typically earn $47,196 ten years after starting college, making the median debt load of $6,995 very manageable. Monthly loan payments average only $74, which represents excellent value for students seeking affordable higher education. Few students need extensive financial aid, with only 18.74% receiving Pell Grants.

The Pumas compete in 12 NAIA sports with 156 total athletes sharing $179,595 in athletic scholarships. The student body is 56.16% female and reflects Arizona's diversity, with 31.94% Hispanic enrollment. Most importantly, 92.3% of graduates find employment, proving the college's programs align well with regional job markets.

Academics & Faculty

Paradise Valley Community College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in the Phoenix metro area. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive more individualized attention than at larger universities. The college focuses primarily on transfer preparation and workforce development programs. However, the 19.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and academic responsibilities. PVCC offers strong programs in nursing, business, and liberal arts that prepare students for transfer to four-year universities. The college also provides career and technical education in high-demand fields like healthcare support and information technology.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 19.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 19.8%
Retention Rate: 64.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,196

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$65,517
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$32,925
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$31,848

View all 111 programs →

Campus Life

Paradise Valley Community College sits in the heart of Phoenix, where students need sunscreen year-round and summer temperatures regularly hit 110 degrees. The campus serves 4,076 students who commute daily since no on-campus housing exists. With 56.16% women and a strong Hispanic population at 31.94%, the diverse student body reflects Phoenix's demographics.

Students here balance classes with work and family obligations typical of community college life. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes despite the urban setting. Most students attend part-time and head home or to jobs after classes rather than hanging around campus. Weekend activities center around Phoenix's attractions rather than campus events. The Pumas compete in 12 NAIA sports with 156 total athletes, though athletics play a smaller role than at four-year universities. With 100% in-state enrollment, students save money living at home while earning credits to transfer or completing career-focused programs. The commuter culture means building friendships requires more effort, but the city location offers internships and job opportunities throughout the Phoenix metro area.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1985

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 44°–65°F
July Avg: 80°–104°F
Annual Precipitation: 8.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Paradise Valley Community College draws entirely from Arizona, reflecting its role as a local pathway for Phoenix-area residents. Women make up 56% of the 4,076 students, typical for community colleges where nursing and education programs attract female students. Nearly one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking affordable education. The student body is 50% white and 32% Hispanic, mirroring Phoenix's diverse demographics. Most students juggle work and family responsibilities while pursuing transfer credits or career certificates in high-demand fields like healthcare and technology.

Men: 43.8%
Women: 56.2%
White: 49.9%
Black: 4.1%
Hispanic: 31.9%
Asian: 3.3%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 18.7%

Location

Paradise Valley Community College sits in Phoenix, Arizona's sixth-largest city with over 1.6 million residents. The campus operates within one of America's fastest-growing metropolitan areas, where desert landscapes meet urban sprawl. Phoenix averages 300 sunny days per year and sits roughly 1,100 feet above sea level in the Sonoran Desert. The college draws 100% of its 4,076 students from in-state, reflecting its role as a local institution serving the greater Phoenix area. Desert hiking trails, professional sports teams, and year-round outdoor activities define the region's character. Students considering colleges in Arizona may also compare Paradise Valley Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Phoenix, Arizona 85032

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,196
Median Earnings (5 years): $56,590
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 35.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $74/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,995

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student-faculty ratio at Paradise Valley Community College?

Paradise Valley Community College maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio among its 4,076 students. This smaller class size reflects the community college's focus on providing accessible education and personalized attention to students pursuing transfer degrees or career training.

How much does Paradise Valley Community College cost for Arizona residents?

In-state tuition at Paradise Valley Community College costs $2,358 per year. The average net price is $13,478, making it an affordable option for Phoenix-area students looking to complete general education requirements before transferring to four-year universities.

What is the graduation rate at Paradise Valley Community College?

Paradise Valley Community College has a 19.80% six-year graduation rate and 64.55% retention rate. These numbers are typical for community colleges where many students transfer before completing their degrees or attend part-time while working.

How much do Paradise Valley Community College graduates earn?

Paradise Valley Community College graduates have a median salary of $47,196 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate is strong at 92.3%, reflecting the college's emphasis on career training programs and transfer preparation that leads to workforce readiness.

What is the student body composition at Paradise Valley Community College?

Paradise Valley Community College serves 4,076 students with 56.16% women and 43.84% men. The student body is diverse, with 49.90% White, 31.94% Hispanic, and students from various other backgrounds, reflecting Phoenix's multicultural population.

Does Paradise Valley Community College offer athletics?

Paradise Valley Community College fields 12 varsity sports as the Pumas in NAIA competition. The college supports 156 total athletes with $179,595 in athletic scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes to compete while pursuing their education.