About South Mountain Community College
Students pay an average net price of $11,942 annually, though costs vary by family income. In-state tuition runs just $2,358, making college accessible to working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $39,825 ten years after starting, which represents solid earning potential for two-year degree holders. Monthly loan payments average only $85, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping debt burdens manageable. The 23.10% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education.
The student body is 56.74% Hispanic and 14.36% Black, reflecting the surrounding neighborhood demographics. Women make up 59.15% of enrollment. The college fields nine varsity sports with 150 total athletes competing as the Cougars. Nearly all students are Arizona residents at 98.44%, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere focused on local workforce development.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 23.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,825
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Certificate | $22,485 |
Campus Life
The Cougars compete in nine varsity sports with 150 total athletes, creating some school spirit despite the commuter nature. Students balance classes with work since 90% find employment and many attend part-time while supporting families. The semester system accommodates working schedules, and the 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. Weekends often involve jobs, family time, or studying at home rather than campus activities. With 98% of students from Arizona, most know the local scene and head to nearby South Mountain Park for hiking or downtown Phoenix for entertainment when time allows.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1978
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 41°–66°F
- July Avg
- 77°–102°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 7.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 40.9%
- Women
- 59.2%
- White
- 15.2%
- Black
- 14.4%
- Hispanic
- 56.7%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 98.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.4%
Location
- Address
- Phoenix, Arizona 85042
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,825
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $44,302
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 21.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $85/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at South Mountain Community College?
South Mountain Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of their academic background. The school serves 2,612 students with nearly 60% being women and over 98% coming from Arizona. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking affordable higher education in the diverse South Phoenix area.
How much does South Mountain Community College cost after financial aid?
Students at South Mountain Community College pay an average net price of $11,942 annually, with in-state tuition at just $2,358. About 27% of students receive financial aid, and those with family incomes under $30,000 pay around $11,383 after aid. The low costs reflect the college's mission to provide accessible education to working-class families in Phoenix.
What is the student-faculty ratio at South Mountain Community College?
South Mountain Community College maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for its diverse student body. The college focuses on workforce training programs and transfer preparation, serving a student population that is 57% Hispanic and represents the changing demographics of South Phoenix. Class sizes support the hands-on learning needed for career-focused programs.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at South Mountain Community College?
South Mountain Community College has a 23% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. However, graduates achieve a 90% employment rate and earn a median salary of $39,825 ten years after enrollment. The college's focus on practical skills training helps students enter the workforce quickly in the growing Phoenix metro area.
Where is South Mountain Community College located and what is campus life like?
South Mountain Community College sits in Phoenix, Arizona, serving as an educational anchor in the South Mountain area. The college offers 9 varsity sports with 150 total athletes competing as the Cougars in NCCAA athletics. Campus life reflects the working-student population, with most students commuting and balancing education with jobs and family responsibilities.
How much debt do South Mountain Community College students typically graduate with?
Students at South Mountain Community College graduate with a median debt of just $8,000, lower than four-year institutions. Only 7% of students take federal loans, and those who do have manageable monthly payments of around $85. The low debt burden aligns with the college's affordable tuition and its role in providing cost-effective education for students planning to transfer or enter the workforce quickly.
