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$6,180Tuition
9Students
Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Pathways College

Pathways College operates with just 9 students, making it one of the smallest colleges in America. This tiny private school in Phoenix focuses on serving women, who make up 89% of the student body. The school draws entirely from Arizona residents and maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that guarantees personal attention from professors. With such a small enrollment, every student knows everyone else and faculty members can tailor their teaching to individual needs.

The financial picture here is unusual. Tuition costs $6,180 for all students regardless of where they live, which is remarkably low for a private college. However, none of the students receive federal financial aid through Pell Grants, and no one takes out federal loans. About 44% of students do receive institutional grants averaging $1,735, bringing their actual costs down to around $4,400. This suggests the school serves students who can largely afford to pay out of pocket or have other funding sources.

The student body is 56% white and 22% Hispanic, with the remaining students from other backgrounds. The all-Arizona enrollment means students share common regional experiences and often stay connected to local communities. Such a small environment works best for students who thrive in intimate academic settings where hiding in the back row is impossible.

Academics & Faculty

Pathways College operates as an extremely small private institution with just 9 students and a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that guarantees individualized attention from professors. The school appears to focus on specialized career training rather than traditional liberal arts education, given its tiny size and location in Phoenix's growing job market. With 88.89% of students being women, the college likely concentrates on fields that attract female students, possibly healthcare, education, or social services. The $6,180 tuition rate makes it one of the most affordable private colleges in Arizona. Students here get mentor-level relationships with faculty members, though the extremely limited enrollment means very few course options and minimal campus resources compared to larger institutions.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
9:1

Campus Life

With just 9 students enrolled, Pathways College operates more like an intensive mentorship program than a traditional campus. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get direct, personalized attention that's impossible at larger schools. Phoenix's desert climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and light layers for winter evenings that dip into the 40s, but rarely a heavy coat.

The tiny student body creates an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other. With 88.89% women, the gender balance skews heavily female, and all students come from Arizona. Since there's no campus housing data and the size suggests a specialized program, students likely commute to classes in the Phoenix metro area. Weekend activities would center around the city's hiking trails, downtown arts district, and year-round outdoor events. The $6,180 tuition is the same for everyone, and 44.44% receive institutional grants averaging $1,735. This isn't a place for big college traditions or campus parties. It's designed for students who want intensive, personal academic attention in a very small setting.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester

Climate & Weather

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

Student Demographics

Pathways College draws almost entirely women (about 9 out of 10 students) and serves exclusively Arizona residents. With only 9 total students, this creates an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other. The female-heavy enrollment suggests the college focuses on fields that traditionally attract women, possibly in areas like education, social work, or health services. The student body includes both white and Hispanic students, reflecting Phoenix's diverse population. Students here want highly personalized attention and are comfortable in a very small academic community.
Men
11.1%
Women
88.9%
White
55.6%
Black
0.0%
Hispanic
22.2%
Asian
0.0%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
0.0%

Location

Pathways College sits in Phoenix, Arizona's fifth-largest city with over 1.6 million residents. Phoenix anchors the sprawling Sonoran Desert metropolitan area, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees and winter highs stay in the comfortable 70s. The city offers internship opportunities across healthcare, technology, and aerospace industries, while outdoor enthusiasts can hike Camelback Mountain or explore the nearby Superstition Mountains. All 9 students at Pathways come from within Arizona, suggesting strong local ties despite Phoenix's size and diversity. The desert climate means year-round outdoor activities, from spring training baseball to desert hiking trails just minutes from campus. Students considering colleges in Arizona may also compare Pathways College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Phoenix, Arizona 85006

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Pathways College?

Pathways College maintains an extremely small student body with just 9 enrolled students. This tiny private college in Phoenix focuses on highly individualized education with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for intensive mentoring.

How much does Pathways College cost for tuition?

Tuition at Pathways College costs $6,180 per year for all students regardless of residency status. Nearly half of students (44.44%) receive institutional grants averaging $1,735, making this one of the most affordable private colleges in Arizona.

What is the class size like at Pathways College?

The student-faculty ratio at Pathways College is an exceptional 9:1, meaning students receive highly personalized attention. With only 9 total students enrolled, this creates an intimate learning environment more akin to graduate school seminars than traditional undergraduate classes.

What career outcomes do Pathways College graduates achieve?

Given Pathways College's micro-scale with just 9 students, the institution operates more like a specialized training program than a traditional four-year college. The college draws entirely from Arizona residents (100% in-state), suggesting it serves a very specific local educational niche.

Where is Pathways College located and what is campus life like?

Pathways College sits in Phoenix, Arizona's large urban environment with access to internships and cultural opportunities. However, with only 9 students total, traditional campus life activities are virtually non-existent, creating a highly focused academic atmosphere.

What makes Pathways College unique among Arizona colleges?

Pathways College stands out for having an overwhelmingly female student body at 88.89% women compared to just 11.11% men. No students receive federal financial aid or Pell Grants (0.00% for both), indicating the college serves students with specific financial circumstances or educational goals.