Staff Reports | Community Updates
Maricopa Community Colleges will receive no state aid for the 12th consecutive year, despite enrolling more Arizona residents than any other postsecondary institution and providing a significant share of workforce training.
The system sought $7 million in state aid during the most recent legislative session, compared with the $28.4 million identified under the state funding formula, according to a press release. The lack of funding comes as employers across Arizona continue to report workforce needs in several industries.
“The state has an obligation to provide support for its community colleges,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges. “As the largest community college system in the state, the lack of investment ultimately hurts Arizona’s long-term economic growth.”
Maricopa Community Colleges and Pima Community College have not received state aid since 2015. During that time, the Maricopa system has gone without more than $655 million in state support, a total expected to increase in fiscal year 2027.
In addition to the absence of ongoing state aid, the FY2027 budget eliminated several one-time funding allocations that had supported education programs, including:
Dual enrollment: $1.5 million
Nurse education investment: $1.5 million
Adult education workforce program: $6 million
Economic impact data continues to highlight the system’s role in Arizona’s economy. Maricopa Community Colleges reports $8.8 billion in economic impact and supports one in 30 jobs in Maricopa County. A recent report also cites $13.3 billion in social benefits, including added student and business income, as well as savings related to healthcare, the justice system and income assistance.
The system reports that for every public dollar invested, taxpayers receive an estimated $1.40 in gains over the course of students’ working lives and $9.90 in broader economic benefits for the state.
