Arizona's largest community college district serving 100,000+ students across 10 colleges in the Phoenix metro area.
MCCCD offers two-year associate degrees and occupational certificates across its 10 colleges. The district provides online classes and dual enrollment programs. In 2010, nursing programs across all Maricopa Community Colleges unified under a standard curriculum called MaricopaNursing. The district also operates Maricopa Corporate College (founded 2013), which provides business consulting, professional continuing education, and oversees entrepreneurial initiatives including a business incubator.
The district comprises 10 colleges: Chandler-Gilbert (Chandler), Estrella Mountain (Avondale), GateWay (Phoenix), Glendale (Glendale), Mesa (Mesa), Paradise Valley (Phoenix), Phoenix College (Phoenix), Rio Salado (Tempe), Scottsdale (Scottsdale), and South Mountain (Phoenix). The oldest institution, Phoenix College, was established in 1920 as Phoenix Junior College. Most other campuses were established between 1965 and 1990, with the most recent major expansion in 2009.
Tuition for Maricopa County residents is $97 per credit hour as of the 2025–26 academic year. The district serves the Phoenix metropolitan area and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Programs are designed for both traditional students and working professionals seeking career advancement or credential completion.
MCCCD is governed by a seven-member board (five elected from geographical districts, two at-large). The Chancellor serves as CEO of the 10-college system, with college presidents and four vice chancellors reporting to the Chancellor. Steven Gonzales serves as Chancellor. The district is among the largest community college systems in the United States.