Staff Reports | Community Updates
Maricopa Community Colleges has announced a five-year plan to expand its bachelor’s degree offerings beginning in fall 2027.
The system plans to launch multiple baccalaureate degrees annually through 2032, with programs distributed across its 10 colleges based on location and workforce demand.
“Over the past two years, we have leveraged a collaborative, strategic approach in developing and launching bachelor’s degree programs that demonstrate both a workforce need and continued occupational growth,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges. “As the largest provider of postsecondary education in Arizona, our programs not only provide a crucial access point, but prepare our students to move into careers that will transform their futures.”
By 2032, the system anticipates offering 26 bachelor’s degrees in fields such as health care, information technology, finance, construction and artificial intelligence. The roadmap is designed to be adaptable to meet evolving student and industry needs.
Enrollment in Maricopa’s bachelor’s programs has exceeded expectations, reaching more than 7,600 students in the first two years. Currently, 23% of those students are enrolled in upper-division courses, and 28% are taking courses at multiple colleges within the system.
Student demographics reflect the accessibility and demand for these programs:
•45% are full-time students
•39% are adult learners age 30 and older
•60% are first-generation college students
•78% are continuing or former Maricopa students
“In today’s economic climate, the cost of attendance continues to be a key factor for students when determining if they can pursue postsecondary education,” Dr. Gonzales added. “We have been intentional in ensuring our bachelor’s degree programs meet students where they are—that means creating affordable pathways.”
Arizona is one of 24 states that authorize community colleges to confer bachelor’s degrees. Nationally, 203 public community colleges offer baccalaureate programs. During the 2022–23 academic year, community colleges awarded 22,104 bachelor’s degrees across public, tribal and independent institutions.
