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Arizona College-Glendale achieves an 86% graduation rate with just 306 students, demonstrating how small class sizes can drive academic success in Arizona's expanding suburban education market. The state's community college market offers remarkable affordability, with Glendale Community College's $12,158 net price serving over 10,000 students annually. Technical programs shine particularly bright in this region, where Universal Technical Institute graduates earn $52,873 annually, reflecting Arizona's growing demand for skilled technicians at companies like Intel and Raytheon. The Arizona Promise Program makes community college education even more accessible, supporting workforce development across Phoenix's suburban belt. Graduation rates vary dramatically from 14.4% at larger community colleges to over 80% at specialized institutions, while earnings potential ranges from $31,102 to $55,552 depending on program focus. This spread reflects Arizona's dual educational approach: affordable community pathways for broad access and specialized technical training for high-demand careers in the state's technology and manufacturing sectors.
9
Schools
$23,750
Avg. Net Price
$45,200
Avg. Earnings
46.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Arizona

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Large 306 $26,925 86.0%
2 Suburb-Large 6,424 $12,211 24.6%
3 Suburb-Large 567 $21,925 69.1%
4 Suburb-Large 1,791 $27,139 63.1%
5 Suburb-Large 10,180 $12,158 14.4%
6 Suburb-Large 768 $35,081 22.5%
7 Suburb-Large 1,127 $32,383 41.4%
8 Suburb-Large 513 $22,180 51.2%
9 Suburb-Large

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Arizona College-Glendale stand out among suburban schools?

Arizona College-Glendale achieves an strong 86% graduation rate with only 306 enrolled students, creating an intimate learning environment. This small-scale approach contrasts sharply with larger community colleges in the area and helps explain why graduates earn $34,657 annually despite the specialized focus.

How do technical programs compare to traditional colleges in earnings?

Universal Technical Institute graduates earn $52,873 annually, significantly outpacing many traditional degree programs in the region. The motorcycle mechanics division also performs well at $48,341 annual earnings with a 69.1% graduation rate, reflecting Arizona's strong automotive and transportation industries.

Is community college a cost-effective option in suburban Arizona?

Estrella Mountain Community College costs just $12,211 annually and serves 6,424 students, while Glendale Community College operates at $12,158 for over 10,000 students. The Arizona Promise Program further reduces costs, making these institutions highly accessible for local workforce development.

Does school size affect graduation rates in Arizona suburbs?

Smaller schools consistently show higher graduation rates. Arizona College-Glendale with 306 students achieves 86% graduation, while Glendale Community College with 10,180 students graduates only 14.4%. However, larger schools provide broader course offerings and lower per-credit costs.

Where do graduates find employment opportunities after suburban Arizona colleges?

Arizona's expanding tech sector, including Intel, Raytheon, and Banner Health, creates strong demand for both technical and business graduates. Universal Technical Institute's $52,873 average earnings reflect this job market strength, particularly in automotive and aerospace manufacturing throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.