Hola Mesa Community College: So Many College Choices? Help is Here!

When I was in high school, I was too tired and overwhelmed to apply for multiple colleges and universities. I was surviving the present, and looking toward the future was not a priority. Upon high school graduation, I stumbled into my hometown’s one option for continuing my education. Luckily, the local university proved to be a great fit for me.

However, in the Phoenix area there are multiple higher learning options, and many wonder about the differences between a university and the Maricopa County Community College District. Below I will try to explain some of the key differences.

1) University can be part of the education plan, even when starting with a community college. Choosing to go to a 2-year community college does not eliminate your opportunities to enroll in a 4-year university, in fact it enhances them. For example, if you are not proud of your grades in high school, and now you are ready to focus more on being successful in school, then the community college can help you build a shiny new transcript.

Additionally, while it is sometimes difficult to get accepted to some universities right out of high school because of the level of competition among applicants, it will greatly improve your chances of being accepted if when you apply you already have your associate’s degree. The following website will describe some of the benefits of taking advantage of the MCCCD to ASU transfer program: https://www.mesacc.edu/transfer/transfer-out/arizona-state-university

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is offered at community colleges. These programs often offer certificates and job readiness training. There are more than 30 MCC programs that offer over 100 degrees and certificates, and many of them can be taken 100% online.

For example, if a student is interested in computers, then associate’s degrees are offered in computer programming, game technology, web developing and four other computer areas. However, if the student does not want/need the two-year degree, certificates are also offered such as Mircrosoft Office specialist, multimedia technology, technology support analyst, and nine others in that computer information systems pathway. Some programs offered: interior design, welding, veterinary technology, nursing, networking and security, fashion merchandising, automotive technology, and exercise science. If interested, check out the website for additional information. https://www.mesacc.edu/its-all-at-mcc/career-technical-education

3) Tuition Fees – Most college classes are 3-4 credits:

a. MCCD Community College = if you are a Maricopa County Resident, it is $86 per credit

b. Arizona State University = $692 per credit

c. University of Arizona = $705 per credit

d. Northern Arizona University = $696 per credit

e. Grand Canyon University = $688 per credit

f. Benedictine Catholic University at Mesa = $630 per credit

g. Capella University = $366 per credit

h. University of Phoenix = $736 per credit

i. Carrington College/DeVry or other Private Career College = > $15,000 to complete the 2 year program (like dental assistant)

4) Faculty as instructors vs. faculty as researchers. At the community college the focus is the student, while at the university the focus is the content. Currently, faculty at MCC must complete a course that teaches the philosophy of the college so that those who are new to teaching will understand that our goal is to have our students complete their education. Below is the description of the course:

In contrast, at the university the faculty is required to publish research articles in journals in order to maintain their positions. Often they have teachers’ assistants who sometimes lecture and often grade student work. A familiar phrase for a researching university is “publish or perish”. ASU is ranked #1 in the US for research, and that is something to be very proud of, if research is the goal.

5) Student to Teacher Ratio:

a. MCC = 19 students to 1 instructor

b. ASU = While the overall number is 23 students to 1 instructor, 20% of the 100 and 200 level courses have a class size of 50+

6) East Valley Colleges Application Process:

a. MCC (which includes all other 9 MCCCD colleges) = Free, with 100% acceptance, No ACT or SAT tests, no essay, no letter of recommendation, no high school diploma needed.

* The tests that need to be taken are free, given on campus, and simply determine what level of English, math, and reading you should be in.

b. ASU = $50, with 83% acceptance. Requirements for admission must also meet at least one of the following -Top 25% in high school graduating class, 3.00 GPA in competency courses, ACT 22, SAT 1120

c. Benedictine at Mesa = Requirements for Admission - 2.5/4.0 GPA, Top 50% rank in their graduating class, Letter of recommendation from high school guidance counselor, 21 ACT or 990 SAT , Extracurricular involvement at school, work or within the community

7) Parking Fees:

a. MCC = Free

b. ASU = 30 day pass is $120, or can pay $8 a day

Interestingly, I spent many, many more hours creating this blog post than I spent on my own admissions process in college. :) I hope that my years of experience will help you so that you can create the future you really want, instead of stumbling upon an unknown path.

* I created the 1^st image all by myself! J

* The next 3 images were scans from brochures I received when attending a “Recruitment 101” workshop at Mesa Community College. We were given permission to use them as often as possible, as that is their purpose.

* Grad cap image = https://www.theodysseyonline.com/college-pressures

* Love teaching image: https://www.pinterest.com/britannicalearn/teacher-inspiration/

*'Publish or Perish' image = http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/2011 10/10/content_23584943.htm

* Enrollment steps image = https://my.maricopa.edu/sites/default/files/mccd/es_other/Enrollment-Steps-Guide.pdf

* Free Parking image = http://monopoly.wikia.com/wiki/Free_Parking