About Scottsdale Community College
The financial picture looks promising for most students. After aid, families earning under $30,000 pay about $12,905 annually, while those making over $110,000 pay around $19,126. Graduates earn a median of $47,905 ten years after starting, making the typical $8,000 in student debt quite manageable with monthly payments of just $85. The strong employment rate of 95.2% suggests most students find work after completing their programs.
The student body leans female at 56.36% and reflects Arizona's diversity with 29.83% Hispanic and 48.71% white students. The Fighting Artichokes compete in seven varsity sports with 143 total athletes. Only 13.58% of students receive federal financial aid, indicating many come from families that can afford the low in-state tuition of $2,358.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 23.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,905
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,673 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $30,771 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Associate | $28,816 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $24,035 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,035 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Certificate | $21,781 |
Campus Life
As a community college, SCC has no dorms, so students drive in from across the valley for classes then head home or to work. The school's Fighting Artichokes mascot reflects its laid-back Arizona attitude. With 56% of students being women and nearly 30% Hispanic, the campus mirrors Scottsdale's diverse population. Weekends aren't about campus parties but exploring nearby hiking trails in the McDowell Mountains or catching spring training baseball games. The 143 student-athletes compete in seven sports, though most students focus on academics with an eye toward transferring to four-year universities or entering the workforce with their associate degrees.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1970
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 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
- Men
- 43.6%
- Women
- 56.4%
- White
- 48.7%
- Black
- 4.4%
- Hispanic
- 29.8%
- Asian
- 3.3%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.6%
Location
- Address
- Scottsdale, Arizona 85256
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,905
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,244
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 38.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $85/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Scottsdale Community College?
Scottsdale Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, meaning virtually all applicants are accepted. The school serves 4,274 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the local Scottsdale community. Students can enroll in transfer programs to four-year universities or career training programs without competitive admission barriers.
How much does Scottsdale Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,380 annually, though this varies by family income. In-state tuition is just $2,358, making it an affordable option for Arizona residents. Only 13.58% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the relatively low-need student population in affluent Scottsdale.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Scottsdale Community College?
The student-faculty ratio is 15:1, providing reasonably personalized attention for a community college. Classes tend to be smaller than typical four-year institutions, supporting students in foundational coursework and career training programs. The college emphasizes both transfer preparation and workforce development for the growing Phoenix metropolitan area.
What are the employment outcomes for Scottsdale Community College graduates?
Graduates achieve a strong 95.2% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on practical career preparation. The median earnings after 10 years reach $47,905, competitive for community college graduates. Students typically graduate with low debt loads, with a median of just $8,000 and monthly loan payments of only $85.
Where is Scottsdale Community College located and what is the campus like?
The campus sits in a rural-fringe setting in Scottsdale, Arizona, offering a quieter environment than urban campuses. Founded in 1970, the college serves a diverse student body that is 48.71% white and 29.83% Hispanic. The student population is 56.36% female and draws entirely from in-state residents seeking accessible higher education.
Does Scottsdale Community College have sports teams called the Fighting Artichokes?
Yes, Scottsdale Community College's teams are uniquely nicknamed the Fighting Artichokes, one of the most unusual mascots in college athletics. The school offers 7 varsity sports with 143 total athletes competing in the NCCAA. Athletic scholarships total $62,400, supporting student-athletes in this distinctive program that adds character to the college experience.
