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Public, 2-year

Estrella Mountain Community College

Avondale, Arizona · www.estrellamountain.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$8,959

In-state $2,358

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

10,109

Student-faculty ratio 25:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

24.6%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 29.6%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) is a prominent community college located in Avondale, Arizona, serving the educational needs of the West Valley region. Established in 1992, the college has gained recognition for its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education and training. With a diverse student body, EMCC fosters an inclusive environment where students from various backgrounds can thrive academically and socially. The college’s mission emphasizes student success, community engagement, and lifelong learning, reflecting its dedication to empowering individuals through education.

EMCC offers a wide array of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways that prepare students for further education or entry into the workforce. The college boasts modern facilities and a variety of resources, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and a library equipped with advanced technology. Additionally, EMCC promotes a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, athletic programs, and cultural events that enhance the overall educational experience. The college's strong focus on community partnerships and workforce development ensures that graduates are well-prepared for employment, making it a valuable institution in the region.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Estrella Mountain Community College

Estrella Mountain Community College has shown notable trends in several critical areas over the years. One of the most significant observations is the steady increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. For instance, in 2014, the in-state tuition was $1,974, which rose to $2,358 by 2024. This represents a significant increase of approximately 19.4%, reflecting a broader trend in rising educational costs across the nation.

Another important metric is the graduation rate, which has fluctuated but generally remains low. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students peaked at 8.3% in 2020 but has since dropped to 5.4% in 2023. This decline raises concerns about the effectiveness of student support systems and the college's ability to retain students through to graduation.

Retention rates, which indicate the percentage of students who continue their education at the same institution from one year to the next, have varied significantly. After a peak of 72.2% in 2019, the retention rate dipped to 61.7% in 2021 before rebounding to 71.3% in 2023. This inconsistency suggests that while the college may be successful in attracting students, it struggles to keep them engaged and enrolled.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has seen a slight increase over the years, indicating a potential rise in class sizes that could impact the quality of education. In 2013, the ratio was 21:1, while it fluctuated around 19:1 and 24:1 in subsequent years. This trend might suggest a need for the college to hire more faculty to maintain personalized attention for students.

In summary, while Estrella Mountain Community College has experienced growth in student enrollment and tuition fees, challenges remain in its graduation rates and retention strategies, highlighting areas for potential improvement in providing quality education and support to its students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Phoenix, about 15 mi
Nearest international airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about 20 mi
Avondale, Arizona
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Rey Rivera (President)
Phone
6239358000
City
Avondale, Arizona
Address
3000 N Dysart Rd, Avondale, AZ 85392-1000

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate1,0775 international (0.5%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
263
Business Administration and Management, General
106
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
80
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
52
Psychology, General
48
General Studies
47
Physical Sciences, General
33
Organizational Behavior Studies
32
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
32
Pre-Engineering
31

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Estrella Mountain Community College

The graduation data from Estrella Mountain Community College for 2023 reveals some noteworthy trends regarding degree attainment across various disciplines. A significant observation is that many programs, particularly in the social sciences and performing arts, have recorded no graduates at the bachelor’s or higher levels. This raises concerns about the popularity and viability of these fields, especially in an ever-evolving job market that increasingly values practical skills and professional qualifications.

Conversely, the associate degree programs show some activity, albeit limited. For example, there are eight graduates in sociology and two in history, suggesting that while there may be a foundation in these areas, they are not translating into higher-level degrees or broader enrollment numbers. This trend may reflect a broader national pattern where community colleges serve as entry points for students who may eventually transfer to four-year institutions, yet the immediate outcomes seem limited.

Moreover, the lack of international students graduating in any program is particularly striking. This absence could imply a need for the college to enhance its international outreach and support systems, especially as global education markets become increasingly competitive. As institutions strive to attract a diverse student body, understanding and addressing the barriers faced by international students is crucial.

Overall, the data suggests a potential misalignment between student interest, institutional offerings, and labor market demands. It calls for a strategic reevaluation of program offerings and support services to boost graduation rates and better prepare graduates for the workforce.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Liberal arts has 311 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$37,087
General Studies.$37,087
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.$37,087
Businesshas 169 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.$46,519
Accounting.-
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Organizational Behavior Studies.-
Health professionshas 137 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General.-
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.$35,922
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$79,941
Computer and information sciencehas 91 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Artificial Intelligence.-
Information Technology.-
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst.-
Computer Science.-
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.-
Network and System Administration/Administrator.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Homeland security has 53 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Forensic Science and Technology.-
Psychology has 48 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Psychology, General.-
Physical scienceshas 40 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Physical Sciences, General.-
Chemistry, General.-
Geology/Earth Science, General.-
Physics, General.-
Biologyhas 34 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Biochemistry.-
Educationhas 33 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Secondary Education and Teaching.-
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Engineeringhas 31 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Pre-Engineering.-
Social sciencehas 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Anthropology, General.-
Economics, General.-
Geography.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Communication has 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Communication, General.-
Journalism.-
Culinary has 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Culinary Arts/Chef Training.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Mathematics, General.-
Visual and Performing artshas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Dance, General.-
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
Public administrationhas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Social Work.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Sustainability Studies.-
English has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Creative Writing.-
General Literature.-
Mechanic and repair has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
Human science has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Human Nutrition.-
Family and Community Services.-
Foreign languages has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Engineering technologieshas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Automation Engineer Technology/Technician.-
History has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
History, General.-

Students

10,109 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 39:61 · Freshman retention 68.8%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (10,109)

Hispanic
6,103 · 60.4%
White
2,110 · 20.9%
Black
724 · 7.2%
Two or more races
486 · 4.8%
Asian
366 · 3.6%
Unknown
143 · 1.4%
International
22 · 0.2%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
29.1%
18–19
26.5%
20–21
14.5%
22–24
10.2%
25 and over
19.7%

Data insights

Demographic Insights at Estrella Mountain Community College in 2023

The student demographic data from Estrella Mountain Community College in 2023 reveals a diverse and predominantly female student body across various categories. Among the new undergraduate students, females constitute a significant 57.9% of the total 1586 students, while males represent 42.1%. This trend of a higher female enrollment continues with returning undergraduate students, where women make up 62.1% of the 3888 students.

Interestingly, the transfer students also show a similar pattern, with 64% being female and 36% male among the 614 transfer students. This consistent female majority across all categories suggests an increasing trend of women pursuing higher education, reflecting broader societal shifts towards gender equality in academic settings.

The overall demographic composition indicates a rich mixture of racial and ethnic backgrounds, although specific details were not fully provided for all categories. It is worth noting that the college serves a considerable number of students from diverse backgrounds, which aligns with the growing emphasis on inclusivity in educational institutions.

As colleges and universities across the nation continue to adapt to the changing demographics of the student population, the data from Estrella Mountain Community College illustrates a promising future for educational equity and representation. The trends observed here may not only influence campus culture but also impact workforce dynamics as these students transition into their professional lives.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Estrella Mountain Community College

The age distribution of students at Estrella Mountain Community College reveals significant insights into the demographics of the student body. A notable aspect is the predominance of younger students, especially those under 18 years old, who constitute a substantial portion of the student population. Specifically, there are 1,116 male and 1,733 female students in this age group, indicating a healthy balance but a higher representation of women among younger students.

As we progress through the age brackets, there is a gradual decline in the number of students. The largest drop-off can be observed as students transition from the 18-19 age category to the 20-21 age category, where male enrollment decreases to 580 and female enrollment follows suit, indicating a typical trend where students may either transfer, drop out, or take a gap year.

Interestingly, the data shows no graduate students in the age categories provided, which may suggest that this institution primarily caters to undergraduate education or that graduate programs may not be a focus at this community college. Furthermore, the total numbers decrease significantly in the older age categories, with only 7 males and 13 females over the age of 65, reflecting a trend in higher education that often sees younger individuals engaging more with college environments.

This age distribution highlights the importance of tailored educational support and engagement strategies that resonate with younger students, ensuring they have access to resources and opportunities that foster their academic and personal growth. As educational institutions increasingly pivot to accommodate diverse learning needs, understanding these demographic patterns becomes essential for effective program development and student retention strategies.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.2%

22 in 2025 · 0.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.2%2017: 0.3%2018: 0.3%2019: 0.2%2020: 0.2%2021: 0.2%2022: 0.3%2023: 0.3%2024: 0.2%2025: 0.2%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Estrella Mountain Community College

The data on international student enrollment at Estrella Mountain Community College reveals significant trends over nearly two decades. From 2004 to 2023, the total number of undergraduate students increased from 5,410 to 9,620, indicating a positive growth in the institution's overall popularity. However, the enrollment of international students has not mirrored this growth consistently.

In the early years, particularly in 2005, the proportion of international students peaked at 0.79%, but this figure has fluctuated significantly since then, reaching a low of 0.17% in 2019. This decline is concerning as it reflects a broader trend that many U.S. community colleges have faced in attracting international students, possibly due to stricter immigration policies and global events that have impacted student mobility.

Interestingly, the recent years from 2022 to 2023 show a slight recovery in the international student population, with the percentage recovering to 0.33% and 0.30%, respectively. This could signify a gradual return to normalcy post-pandemic, as educational institutions worldwide adapt to new realities and international students seek opportunities abroad once again.

Overall, while Estrella Mountain Community College has seen growth in its total student body, the fluctuations in international student enrollment highlight the challenges and changing dynamics in global education. The college may need to implement targeted recruitment strategies to ensure that the number of international students continues to grow in line with overall enrollment trends.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$19,831

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$8,959
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$2,358
Room and board
$10,872
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 14% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 92%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$65.5M

Government grants and contracts
$54.1M82.6%
Tuition and fees
$10.4M15.9%
Gifts and private grants
$612K0.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$398K0.6%

Expenses$62.1M

Instruction
$24.8M40.0%
Academic support
$11.6M18.7%
Institutional support
$10.8M17.4%
Scholarships
$7.8M12.5%
Student services
$7.0M11.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$102K0.2%
Public service
$2K0.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$92,894peers $68,588

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division I MENWOMEN
Cross Country35
Golf5-
2024
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Golf84
Cross Country42
2023
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Golf75
Cross Country41

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Estrella Mountain Community College:

  1. Arizona State University Campus Immersion - Ranked 105th in the 2024 US News rankings, ASU is a comprehensive university known for its innovative programs and diverse student body.

  2. University of Arizona - With a ranking of 115, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, renowned research facilities, and a vibrant campus life.

  3. University of California-San Diego - Ranked 28th, UCSD is a leading research university recognized for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to scientific innovation.

  4. Harvey Mudd College - This highly regarded liberal arts college ranks 16th and specializes in science and engineering education with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies.

  5. Claremont McKenna College - Ranked 11th, CMC is known for its strong focus on economics, government, and public affairs, providing an integrated educational experience.

These institutions offer a variety of educational opportunities and are recognized for their academic excellence.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Fondling
1
Burglary
1
Domestic violence
1
Stalking
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Estrella Mountain Community College

The crime data from Estrella Mountain Community College presents a compelling narrative regarding campus safety over the years. The statistics indicate a fluctuating trend in crime rates, with the highest recorded crime rate of 0.53 incidents per 1000 students in 2013. After this peak, there appears to be a significant drop in reported incidents, with several years showing a crime rate of zero.

Interestingly, the years 2014 through 2016 reported no incidents, which could suggest enhanced safety measures or a decrease in criminal activities on campus. However, by 2017, the crime rate slightly increased to 0.21, followed by a rise again in 2018 to 0.41. This could reflect a resurgence of certain offenses, but the overall figures remain relatively low, particularly when compared to national averages.

The most recent data from 2022 and 2023 shows a slight uptick again, with rates of 0.23 and 0.10 respectively. This ongoing fluctuation might warrant further investigation into the specific types of crimes occurring, such as assaults or thefts, and whether there are patterns or specific incidents leading to these changes.

Overall, the data suggests that while there are occasional spikes in crime, Estrella Mountain Community College has maintained a relatively low crime rate in recent years. Continuous monitoring and preventive strategies will be essential to ensure student safety and to address any emerging trends in criminal behavior on campus. For those interested in understanding how these rates are calculated, additional information can be found at this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.