Approximately 35 miles away, Signal Peak is the nearest of nine Central Arizona College campuses. It is the only facility close by to provide student housing as well as athletic programs. Its associate degrees in art, business, science and elementary education transfer to all three Arizona state universities.
Chandler Gilbert, which is 25 miles from Maricopa, offers associate degree programs that include engineering, teacher education, sustainability and ecological literacy as well as dietetics, nutrition and law enforcement. The campus also offers its students a summer study abroad program in Panama.
Rio Salado offers a host of interesting programs within a 35-minute drive of Maricopa. Their Rise Learning for Life program was created for mature students seeking academic enrichment and interaction. Rio Salado offers a diverse range of degrees that include American Indian and Southwestern studies. It also provide a full array of resources to help students reach professional goals. Rio Salado's partnership with Higley Unified School District enables area students to begin early college-level coursework while still in high school.
The Maricopa Skill Center is a workforce development facility 43 miles away in Phoenix that offers certificate programs in business, technology, health care and trades, most of which can be completed in less than a year. The campus doesn't offer associate degrees but is an accredited member of the Maricopa Community College system.
A 37-minute drive from Maricopa, Mesa Community College offers on-campus child care in addition to more than 250 associate degree offerings. Committed to lifelong learning, its Office of Alumni Relations creates opportunities for former and current students to network. Its New Frontiers for Learning in Retirement program offers noncredit classes to retirees.
Students at Phoenix College speak more than 50 different languages and come from more than 100 different countries. More than 30,000 students each year receive career training at the campus. A vibrant blend of traditional and modern, the Phoenix College campus includes a community dental clinic, student cafe, sports fields and state-of-the art instructional facilities. Tours are available year-round for prospective students interested in pursuing one of the 200 degrees and certificates it offers.