Tohono O'odham Community College: $932 Tuition

$932Tuition

984Students

10%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,229Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Tohono O'odham Community College

Tohono O'odham Community College serves the Tohono O'odham Nation with culturally-centered education that preserves indigenous knowledge and traditions. The tribal community college enrolls 984 students in Arizona's rural desert landscape. Founded in 1998, the school bridges Western academic credentials with Native American cultural teachings. Students learn alongside elders and community members who share traditional knowledge alongside conventional coursework.

The financial picture makes this college remarkably accessible. Students pay an average net price of $4,156 after aid, with tuition set at just $932 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Graduates earn a median of $39,229 ten years after enrollment, providing solid returns on a minimal investment. Only 31% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the low baseline costs. The total cost of attendance reaches just $6,332 including room and board.

Women comprise 81% of the student body, and 78% of students come from within Arizona. The college operates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personal attention in this tight-knit community. Housing capacity serves just 36 students, reflecting the college's local focus. While the 10% graduation rate appears low, it reflects the unique challenges facing tribal college students who often balance education with family and community responsibilities.

Academics & Faculty

Tohono O'odham Community College centers its academics around preserving and teaching indigenous knowledge within the Tohono O'odham Nation. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship essential for first-generation college students. Women make up 80.79% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strong programs in education and human services that prepare graduates to serve their community. The 10.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many tribal college students face, including family responsibilities and economic pressures. Students can complete associate degrees while staying connected to their cultural roots. The college emphasizes bilingual education and traditional ecological knowledge alongside standard academic subjects. Most graduates either transfer to four-year universities or return to work within the reservation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 36.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 10.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,229
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Campus Life

The campus sits in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, about 60 miles west of Tucson. With only 36 beds for 984 students, just 4% can live on campus. Most students commute from nearby communities across the Tohono O'odham Nation's 2.8 million acres. You'll need sunscreen year-round as temperatures regularly hit 100+ degrees in summer, though winter evenings can drop to the 40s.

Women make up 81% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong focus on education and healthcare programs that serve the Nation. The intimate 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name. Weekends often center around family and community events rather than typical college parties. Students frequently participate in traditional activities like basket weaving workshops and language preservation programs. The college hosts pow-wows and cultural celebrations that draw the entire community. With 78% of students from in-state, most maintain deep ties to their home villages while pursuing degrees that will help them serve their people.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 36 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1998

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 34°–50°F
July Avg: 61°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 23.5"
Annual Snowfall: 11.6"

Student Demographics

This tribal community college primarily serves the Tohono O'odham Nation, with nearly four out of five students coming from Arizona. Women make up over 80% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in education, healthcare, and social services that traditionally attract female students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class Native American families. The small enrollment of 984 students creates tight-knit cohorts focused on preserving Tohono O'odham culture while preparing for careers that benefit their community. Most students are seeking practical skills rather than transfer degrees.

Men: 19.2%
Women: 80.8%
White: 1.6%
Black: 0.4%
Hispanic: 0.3%
Asian: 0.1%
In-State Students: 78.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 31.2%

Location

Tohono O'odham Community College sits in Sells, Arizona, roughly 60 miles southwest of Tucson in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. The campus serves the Tohono O'odham Nation on reservation land that spans nearly 2.8 million acres. Students experience true rural isolation here, surrounded by desert landscapes, saguaro cacti, and mountain ranges. The nearest grocery store requires a significant drive, and cell service can be spotty. This remote setting allows the college to maintain its focus on traditional indigenous culture and language preservation. Housing capacity reaches only 36 students, reflecting the intimate community atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Arizona may also compare Tohono O'odham Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Sells, Arizona 85634-3129

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,229
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Tohono O'odham Community College?

As a tribal community college serving the Tohono O'odham Nation, the school operates with an open enrollment policy rather than a competitive admissions process. The college prioritizes access to higher education for Native American students, with 78.18% of students coming from in-state. This approach aligns with the institution's mission to preserve indigenous knowledge and provide culturally-centered education.

How much does Tohono O'odham Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,156 annually, making it one of the most affordable college options available. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition costs just $932, while the total cost of attendance reaches only $6,332. The college serves many low-income students, with 31.24% receiving Pell Grants to help cover educational expenses.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Tohono O'odham Community College?

The college maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 984 students. This relatively small size allows for personalized attention in a culturally responsive learning environment. The institution focuses on preserving Tohono O'odham traditions while providing contemporary educational opportunities for tribal members.

What are the graduation outcomes at Tohono O'odham Community College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 10.30%, which reflects the unique challenges many tribal college students face. Graduates earn a median salary of $39,229 ten years after enrollment, though many pursue further education or return to serve their communities. The college prioritizes cultural preservation and community development over traditional employment metrics.

Where can students live at Tohono O'odham Community College?

The campus offers limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 36 students at $4,400 per year for room and board. The rural-remote setting in Sells, Arizona, serves the heart of the Tohono O'odham reservation. Most students commute from nearby communities within the Nation's territory, maintaining strong ties to their families and cultural roots.

Does Tohono O'odham Community College have women's sports programs?

The college fields 2 varsity sports through NCCAA competition with just 5 total athletes participating. Women make up 80.79% of the student body, outnumbering the 19.21% male enrollment. The athletic programs operate without scholarship funding, focusing instead on community engagement and cultural activities that strengthen tribal identity.