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$2,838Tuition
3,732Students
32%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$39,890Earnings
#13 in ArizonaPublic4-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Yavapai College

Yavapai College serves 3,732 students in Prescott, a mountain town known for its mild climate and outdoor recreation. This community college focuses on career training and transfer preparation, helping students either enter the workforce quickly or move on to four-year universities. The school has built a reputation for hands-on programs in fields like nursing, automotive technology, and welding, attracting students who want practical skills alongside their education.

The financial picture makes Yavapai College particularly appealing for budget-conscious families. In-state students pay just $2,838 in tuition, and the average net price after aid is $6,355. Even better, graduates typically earn $39,890 ten years after starting, while carrying only $9,000 in median debt. That combination of low cost and decent earning potential creates real value for students who complete their programs.

About 95% of students come from Arizona, creating a tight community feel on campus. The 32% graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees here. With housing for only 216 students, most live off-campus in Prescott. The Roughriders compete in nine NJCAA sports, giving student-athletes affordable opportunities to continue playing while earning their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Yavapai College offers practical career training alongside traditional transfer programs, with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio that gives students more personal attention than most large universities. The college is known for its strong nursing program, which consistently places graduates in Arizona hospitals, and its aviation maintenance technology program that trains mechanics for the region's aerospace industry. About 32% of students complete their programs within four years, which reflects the mix of part-time working adults and full-time students pursuing different goals. Many students use Yavapai as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities, paying just $2,838 for in-state tuition while completing general education requirements in smaller classes.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Full-Time Faculty
31.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
32.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
32.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,890

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $59,180
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Certificate $47,260
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $45,500
Air Transportation. Associate $31,839
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $28,960
Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $28,598
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $26,643

View all 69 programs →

Campus Life

Yavapai College sits in Prescott, a mountain town about 100 miles north of Phoenix where you'll need both winter coats and sunscreen. At 5,400 feet elevation, temperatures drop below freezing in winter but summers stay comfortable compared to Arizona's desert cities. Only 216 students can live on campus out of 3,732 total enrollment, so most students commute from town or nearby areas since 94.92% come from in-state.

The campus feels more like a large high school than a traditional college. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name and track your progress closely. Students often work part-time jobs in Prescott's tourism industry or drive to Phoenix for internships on weekends. The Roughriders compete in 9 NJCAA sports with 171 total athletes, creating some school spirit despite the commuter-heavy population. Many students transfer after two years, which explains the 32.10% graduation rate. Social life revolves around Prescott's historic downtown square, outdoor activities in the surrounding national forest, and study groups that often turn into friendships.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
216 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1965

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
23°–52°F
July Avg
61°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
16.5"
Annual Snowfall
10.2"

Student Demographics

Yavapai College draws almost entirely from Arizona, with 95% of students coming from in-state. This reflects its role as a local community college serving the Prescott area and surrounding counties. The student body is 58% women, which is typical for community colleges where many students pursue health sciences, education, and human services programs. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families looking for affordable career training or transfer preparation. The mix of traditional college-age students and adult learners creates a practical, goal-focused campus culture.
Men
41.9%
Women
58.1%
White
61.1%
Black
1.6%
Hispanic
23.4%
Asian
1.3%
In-State Students
94.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
19.5%

Location

Yavapai College sits in Prescott, Arizona, about 100 miles north of Phoenix in the high desert country. The campus serves 3,732 students in this historic mountain town of 45,000 people, which sits at 5,400 feet elevation among ponderosa pines and granite hills. Prescott offers a cooler climate than most of Arizona, with actual seasons and occasional snow in winter. The town combines Old West history with a college atmosphere, featuring a classic courthouse square downtown and nearby hiking trails. About 95% of students come from in-state, mostly from central Arizona communities. Students considering colleges in Arizona may also compare Yavapai College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Prescott, Arizona 86301
Yavapai College Library
Yavapai College Library
Yavapai College Performing Arts
Yavapai College Performing Arts

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,890
Median Earnings (5 years)
$48,058
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$29,000
Loan Repayment Rate
36.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$95/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Yavapai College?

Yavapai College operates as an open-admission community college, meaning most students who apply are accepted. The college serves 3,732 students primarily from Arizona, with 94.92% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students looking to transfer to four-year universities or gain career-specific training.

How much does Yavapai College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,355 annually at Yavapai College. In-state tuition runs $2,838 while out-of-state students pay $9,344. The relatively low cost reflects the college's mission as an affordable community college option in northern Arizona.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Yavapai College?

Yavapai College maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The college offers both transfer pathways and career-technical education in fields like nursing, automotive technology, and firefighting. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for immediate employment or university transfer.

What are the job prospects for Yavapai College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 91.3% employment rate with median earnings of $39,890 ten years after starting college. The college's career-focused programs and strong ties to local employers in Prescott help students transition quickly into the workforce. Many graduates also transfer to four-year universities to continue their education.

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

The main campus sits in Prescott, Arizona, a small city known for its historic downtown and outdoor recreation opportunities. Housing capacity serves 216 students on campus, though most of the 3,732 enrolled students commute from the surrounding area. The mountain setting provides a cooler climate than much of Arizona and access to hiking and skiing.

Does Yavapai College offer athletic programs?

The Roughriders compete in 9 NJCAA varsity sports with 171 total student-athletes. The college awards $576,593 in athletic scholarships annually to help recruit talented players. Yavapai College has built a strong reputation in baseball and rodeo, reflecting the rural Arizona culture and outdoor lifestyle of the region.