Estrella Mountain Community College
Estrella Mountain Community College General Information
Overview
Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) is a public community college located in Avondale, Arizona, serving the West Valley of metro Phoenix. Founded in 1992, EMCC is part of the Maricopa County Community College District and is known for its mission of delivering affordable, accessible, and high-quality education to a diverse population of learners. The campus offers more than 130 accredited degree and certificate programs designed for career readiness, university transfer pathways, and lifelong learning.
EMCC emphasizes flexible delivery—including in-person, online and accelerated formats—and works closely with local industries and community partners to align curriculum with workforce needs. With tuition as low as around $97 per credit hour for district residents and open enrollment policy, the college aims to remove financial and admission barriers for students. EMCC also hosts a broad spectrum of student support services—academic counseling, tutoring, mentorship—and encourages dual-enrollment for high school students and early-college options. Its location in the rapidly growing southwestern Phoenix region positions the institution as a critical engine for regional education, inclusive opportunity and community development.
Contact Informations
Address: 3000 North Dysart Road, Avondale, Arizona 85392, United States
Phone Number: (623) 935-8888
Email Address: Prospective students and inquiries may contact the admissions office via the general student services email available at the college; for specific program inquiries email is often provided on program webpages.
School Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1992 |
| Institutional Type | Public community college |
| Location | Avondale (West Valley), Arizona, USA |
| Parent System | Maricopa County Community College District |
| Student Enrollment | Approximately 15,000 total students annually |
| Tuition Rate (In-District) | As low as ~$97 per credit hour for district residents |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Student Nickname | Mountain Lions |
Estrella Mountain Community College Rankings
| Ranking Category | Rank / Information |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100% open enrollment (all applicants accepted) |
| Graduation Rate | Estimated ~25% for full credentials (varies by program) |
| National Community College Rank | “B-minus” overall grade according to recent review sites |
Estrella Mountain Community College Academics
Estrella Mountain Community College Faculties / Departments
- Arts & Sciences Division
- Business, Technology & Transfer Studies Division
- Health Sciences & Public Safety Division
- Manufacturing, Construction & Industrial Technology Division
- Workforce Development & Community Education Division
- Student Support & Learning Resources Division
Estrella Mountain Community College Courses and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration
- Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
- Certificate in Cybersecurity & Networking
- Certificate in Welding Technology
- Certificate in Early Childhood Education
- Dual-Enrollment / High School Early College Programs
- Transfer‐Bachelor’s Pathways with Arizona State University and other universities
Online Learning
EMCC offers flexible delivery options including fully online courses, hybrid formats, and accelerated modules to accommodate working students, students with family commitments, or adult learners re-entering education. A notable proportion of students engage in online or blended learning; the college provides virtual tutoring, remote advising and digital library access to support this modality. The flexible scheduling model enables learners to tailor their education around employment and life obligations, while still accessing full institutional resources.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Range / Data |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not a requirement for general admission |
| ACT | Not a formal requirement |
| GRE | Not applicable |
Retention and Graduation Rates
While EMCC has open admission and a high enrollment rate, the retention and graduation rates reflect the challenges of community college settings. The approximate graduation (program completion) rate stands at around 25%, reflecting part-time attendance, adult learners, and transfer students. The institution focuses on retention strategies through academic advising, peer mentoring and career-pathway mapping to improve student success and completion.
Estrella Mountain Community College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to EMCC is open and highly accessible: applicants with a high school diploma or GED are eligible, and standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT are not required. The emphasis is on access and enrollment rather than selective admission, aligning with community college mission.
Estrella Mountain Community College Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100% (open enrollment) |
Estrella Mountain Community College Application Requirements
Prospective students complete a brief application, submit proof of completion of secondary education (high school diploma or GED), and may meet with an admissions or advising staff to select program pathways. Placement testing or assessment may be required for some developmental courses in math or English. International students must meet English proficiency requirements and provide appropriate immigration documentation. Financial aid guidance and orientation are also parts of the admissions process.
Application Process
- Submit application for admission to EMCC
- Provide high school diploma, GED or equivalent credentials
- Complete placement assessment, if required
- Meet with academic advisor to map program and schedule classes
- Register for courses and attend orientation/session for new students
Estrella Mountain Community College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester Registration | Early summer preceding semester |
| Spring Semester Registration | Late-fall period |
| Rolling Admissions | Applications accepted until class fills |
Essay Prompt
For most programs no essay is required; some specialized programs (such as nursing or public safety) may request a short statement of interest or motivation as part of supplemental documentation.
Estrella Mountain Community College Scholarships
EMCC offers a variety of scholarships, both merit-based and need-based, managed through the Foundation and financial aid office. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA, apply early, and review program-specific awards. Additional support for first-generation students and underrepresented groups is available.
Estrella Mountain Community College Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Cost Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| In-District Tuition | As low as ~$97 per credit hour |
| Net Price After Aid | Approx. ~$12,673 per year for students receiving grants |
| Out-of-State Tuition | Higher rate, approximate historical ~$8,928 annually for out-of-state residents |
Estrella Mountain Community College Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Estrella Mountain Community College serves a student body with rich diversity in age, background and ethnicity. Approximately 19% of students are 25 or older, representing adult learners and working professionals. Racial and ethnic distribution includes a majority of Hispanic/Latino students (approximately 58%) along with White, African American and Asian students complementing the community.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A significant portion of the student population receives federal Pell Grants and other financial aid, indicating a substantial number of students from low-income backgrounds. The college provides disability services, tutoring, and academic support for students with varying learning needs, enabling access and success across demographics.
Student Body
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Full-Time Undergraduates | ~2,493 |
| Part-Time Undergraduates | ~7,576 |
University Diversity
Diversity at Estrella Mountain Community College is a core characteristic. The institution’s West Valley location draws students from multiple cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and age groups. The multicultural composition enriches peer interaction, supports inclusive learning environments, and enables graduates to engage effectively in diverse workplaces. Student organizations, multicultural events, and inclusive pedagogy reflect a campus culture that values identity, equity and cross-cultural communication. The presence of younger traditional-age students, adult learners balancing work or family, and non-traditional college entrants further augments the richness of the classroom experience. This environment not only enhances student learning but prepares students to operate in diverse professional settings and globalized labor markets.
Average Earnings
Graduates of EMCC move into various fields including business, healthcare, technology, trades and public service. Data suggest that five years after graduation students earn around ~$46,359 annually. Entry-level earnings vary depending on program and regional employment opportunities, but the affordable tuition, transfer pathways and career-aligned programs position graduates for meaningful work with upward mobility.
Estrella Mountain Community College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Faculty at EMCC consist of full-time and adjunct instructors qualified in their fields, including those with industry experience and advanced degrees. Student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 24:1, enabling smaller class sizes and more personalized instruction. Staff include academic advisors, career services personnel, tutoring and learning support professionals, and administrative personnel dedicated to supporting student success.
Faculty Profiles
Instructors at EMCC bring expertise ranging from liberal arts and sciences to advanced manufacturing, business, healthcare, and sustainable technologies. Many hold master’s degrees, industry certifications or significant work experience. They engage in curriculum development, research, community partnerships and peer mentoring. Their applied experience lends relevance to coursework, and they regularly incorporate real-world examples and industry collaborations in their teaching.
Estrella Mountain Community College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Estrella Mountain Community College is primarily a commuter institution; it does not offer on-campus housing, enabling students to live in surrounding communities and maintain flexibility. Despite the commuter model, student life is active with clubs, cultural organizations, athletics (Mountain Lions), tutoring centers, resource labs and events. The campus features modern facilities, advanced labs, makerspaces and creative studios supporting hands-on learning. Student engagement is fostered through leadership opportunities, cultural events and community partnerships.
Transportation
The main campus in Avondale is accessible via major regional freeways and public transit options serving the West Valley area. Students have access to campus parking and shuttle services. Class schedules including evening, weekend and online options support learners who commute, work or manage family obligations. The flexible modalities, multiple campus locations, and transit access reduce barriers to attendance and support student success in metropolitan-area context.