PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Maricopa Community Colleges decided not to raise tuition for the 2026-27 school year, officials announced Tuesday.
It’s the fourth consecutive year the college system has not raised tuition for students.
“Today’s students already face higher costs for transportation, groceries, utilities, and other necessities,” Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Steven R. Gonzales said in an email. “It’s up to us to keep tuition low, and by doing so, we’re ensuring that higher education remains affordable and accessible to all learners.”
Officials said they asked students how a tuition increase would impact them, and, according to the survey, many said even a small $8 raise would make it hard for them to stay in school.
A $5 increase would be “manageable for many, but would strain some students,” according to the survey.
“The Governing Board’s decision reflects a careful balance between fiscal responsibility and our commitment to student access,” Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board President Linda Thor said in a statement. “Maricopa Community Colleges play a vital role in Arizona’s economic strength and in preparing the workforce that supports our state’s continued growth. Keeping tuition stable is one of the most direct ways we can support students, their families, and the long-term health of our communities.”
The Governing Board also approved a change to simplify the registration fee by allowing students who attend multiple Maricopa County colleges to pay only one $15 registration fee per semester.
Maricopa Community Colleges is a 10-college system, and officials said they are trying to make sure anyone can afford to get an education without taking on a mountain of debt by keeping prices steady and simplifying registration fees.
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