About Pima Community College
The financial picture looks promising for most students. In-state tuition costs just $2,370, and the average net price after aid drops to $3,123. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying only $2,256 net. Graduates typically earn $39,810 ten years after starting, which easily covers the median debt load of $7,000. Monthly loan payments average just $74 for those who borrow.
Nearly 96% of students come from Arizona, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the large enrollment. The Aztecs compete in 11 varsity sports through the NCCAA, with 305 student-athletes sharing over $513,000 in athletic scholarships. About 90% of graduates find employment, testament to the college's strong connections with Tucson-area employers.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 30.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 21.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,810
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $82,440 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $60,606 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $50,231 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,254 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Certificate | $42,682 |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $42,682 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $41,823 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $40,605 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $40,402 |
| Education, Other. | Certificate | $39,369 |
Campus Life
With 95% of students coming from in-state, PCC feels like a local community center rather than a traditional college campus. Since this is a commuter school with no dorms, students typically live at home or in nearby apartments and drive between classes. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes where professors know your name. Weekends often involve exploring Tucson's hiking trails, visiting local festivals, or working part-time jobs that align with the college's strong workforce training programs.
The student body reflects Tucson's diversity, with 52% Hispanic students creating a bilingual campus atmosphere. Many students balance classes with jobs, using PCC as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities or direct entry into Arizona's growing healthcare and technology sectors.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1969
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 42°–65°F
- July Avg
- 76°–99°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 11.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.3%
- Women
- 56.8%
- White
- 32.9%
- Black
- 5.2%
- Hispanic
- 52.0%
- Asian
- 2.7%
- In-State Students
- 95.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.7%
Location
- Address
- Tucson, Arizona 85709-1275
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,810
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,898
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 35.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $74/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Pima Community College?
Pima Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 13,869 students and focuses on providing accessible education to the Tucson community. With 95.25% of students coming from in-state, Pima primarily serves local residents seeking affordable higher education options.
How much does Pima Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $3,123 annually, making Pima one of the most affordable college options in Arizona. In-state tuition runs $2,370 while out-of-state students pay $7,686. About 32.67% of students receive financial aid, and graduates typically leave with just $7,000 in debt.
What academic programs is Pima Community College known for?
Pima Community College specializes in workforce training and transfer programs designed to meet local employment needs. The college maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its various programs. Students can choose from career-focused training that prepares them for immediate employment or academic pathways that transfer to four-year universities.
What are the job prospects for Pima Community College graduates?
Graduates achieve an 89.8% employment rate, reflecting strong connections between the college's programs and local job market demands. Median earnings reach $39,810 ten years after graduation. The college's focus on workforce development helps students gain practical skills valued by Tucson-area employers.
Where is Pima Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college operates in Tucson, Arizona's large city environment, providing students access to urban amenities and job opportunities. Campus life includes 11 varsity sports with 305 total athletes competing as the Aztecs. The diverse student body is 51.98% Hispanic and 56.75% female, reflecting the demographics of southern Arizona.
Does Pima Community College offer good value for students from low-income families?
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,256 net annually, making college extremely affordable for low-income students. The college awards $513,257 in athletic scholarships and serves a significant population of Pell Grant recipients at 32.67%. Monthly loan payments average only $74, keeping debt burden manageable for working-class families.
