Founded in 1968, GateWay Community College in Phoenix, Arizona, offers programs in ten areas of study, ranging from automotive technology to more traditional liberal arts studies. Other programs include business, environmental studies, health care, industrial technology, information technology, math and science, and nursing.
In total, GateWay offers 125 different certificate, degree and training options to its students. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
South Mountain Community College offers associate degrees and certificates to students in Phoenix and neighboring areas like Laveen, Tempe, Guadalupe and Ahwatukee, Arizona. The College has approximately 8,000 students and offers degree programs in behavioral health sciences, early childhood education, business management and other fields.
Tuition ranges from $71.00 per credit hour to $312.00 per credit hour based on the student's county and state of residency. South Mountain Community College is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Paradise Valley Community College offers 21 different associate degree programs to its students, including accounting, justice administration, computer information, early childhood education and retail management. Paradise Valley Community College's enrollment has grown from 3,700 in 1987 to over 9,951 students in 2011. Under-served student populations have grown for Latinos (10 percent) and women (55 percent). Paradise Valley Community College is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Scottsdale Community College in nearby Scottsdale, Arizona, offer a wide variety of degree programs, including applied sciences, business and information systems, English, world languages, journalism, mathematics and science. Scottsdale Community College's tuition for 2010 ranged from $71 to $312 per credit hour, based on a student's residency status. Students living in Maricopa County pay the lowest tuition, while out-of-state students pay the highest tuition. As of 2011, Scottsdale Community College has 13,000 students, 70 percent of which attend classes part-time.