Cochise College

Sierra Vista & Douglas, Arizona, United States · Est. 1964 · Community College

Arizona's top-ranked community college serving Cochise County with 49 associate degrees and 100+ programs.

  • Founded September 21, 1964; one of Arizona's first community colleges
  • Public community college with campuses in Sierra Vista and Douglas, plus centers in Benson, Fort Huachuca, and Willcox
  • Enrollment: 9,396 students; 695 administrative staff
  • Ranked #1 community college in Arizona and #38 nationally (2025 SmartAsset study)
  • Offers 49 associate degrees, 30+ certificate programs, and transfer pathways to universities
  • Notable strengths: aviation (FAA-certified), nursing, paramedicine, cybersecurity, and workforce training

Academics

Cochise College offers 49 undergraduate associate degrees spanning arts, business, sciences, applied sciences, and general studies. The college provides over 100 general and technical education programs, including certificates and workforce training. Notable programs include professional pilot technology, aviation dispatch, nursing, paramedicine, cybersecurity, and emergency medical technology. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized certifications from the FAA for aviation programs and the Arizona State Board of Nursing for its nursing program.

Campus & Student Life

The college operates seven locations: main campuses in Sierra Vista (opened 1978) and Douglas (founded 1964), plus centers in Benson, Fort Huachuca, Willcox, and a Downtown Sierra Vista location. On-campus housing is available at the Douglas Campus with traditional residence halls and townhomes accommodating up to 180 residents per semester. The college features a school-owned airport built specifically for its aviation program. The Cochise College Library system includes two branches with over 60,000 books and media items, plus online access to 8,700+ journals and 100,000+ eBooks. Athletics include men's and women's basketball, baseball, soccer, rodeo, and intramural sports.

Admissions

Cochise College welcomes first-time, high school, adult education, returning, military, and international students. The college offers transfer programs for students seeking to continue at partner universities. Students with fewer than 15 credits must meet with an academic advisor prior to registering. The college provides academic advising, career counseling, and testing center services to support student success.

Outcomes & Support

The college awards approximately $857,000 annually in scholarships. Support services include TRIO programs, tutoring and learning centers, accessibility services, and wellness resources. The college emphasizes workforce development and career preparation through hands-on training programs and partnerships with employers in Cochise County and southern Arizona.

Founded
1964
Type
Community College
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
Websitehttp://www.cochise.edu
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
$38K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources