Scottsdale Community College

With ~10,000 total students (including part-time), SCC punches above its weight in campus engagement. The Office of Student Experience and Leadership (SEL) organizes cultural events and supports 20+ clubs, while the Artichoke athletics program—yes, the mascot is a fighting artichoke—fields NJCAA teams in sports like basketball and baseball. The intranet portal centralizes resources for commuter-heavy students, many of whom balance jobs with studies. Instagram highlights reveal a focus on first-gen?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. support and vocational community-building, from culinary arts showcases to STEM workshops.

The 21% graduation rate (per College Scorecard) trails the national average for certificate-granting institutions (68%), though median earnings one year post-graduation hit $49,338—above the $36,427 benchmark. The '150% rate' (completion within 3 years for associate degrees) isn't published, but SCC's recent bachelor's program graduated its inaugural class at scale, suggesting stronger outcomes in selective pathways. About 5,377 undergraduates enroll annually, with many likely transferring before degree completion given SCC's role as a feeder to Arizona State and other four-year schools.

The net price averages $13,627 annually after aid, with the average student receiving $4,325 in grants or scholarships. Federal loan offers typically split $1,750 across two semesters, though unsubsidized options exist. In-state tuition is among Arizona's most affordable, with the Maricopa County system's net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator helping students budget for costs like the culinary program's ingredient fees. While sticker shock isn't a concern here, the ROI calculus favors high-earning vocational programs (e.g., banking/finance support services) over liberal arts transfers.

SCC defies community college stereotypes with its quirky Artichoke identity, surprisingly strong culinary/baking programs, and recent foray into bachelor's degrees. Its Scottsdale location provides access to affluent job markets (notably hospitality and finance) while maintaining open-door accessibility—evidenced by a student body that's 28% Hispanic. The combative artichoke mascot embodies SCC's underdog spirit: unpretentious, resilient, and rooted in desert soil. For cost-conscious students eyeing ASU transfers or quick workforce entry, it's a pragmatic choice with occasional flashes of brilliance.