2.2 Admission/Registration/Enrollment

Persons meeting the admissions criteria may attend any Maricopa Community College of their choice. Falsification of any admission materials or official college records may be cause for denial or cancellation of admission. Exceptions to the admissions policies may be requested through the Admissions and Standards Committee. Admission is determined in accordance with state law (ARS §§15-1805.01 and 15-1821) and regulations of the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board.

Admission Classifications

1. Admission of Regular Students
   Admission to the community college in Arizona may be granted to any person who meets at least one of the following criteria:
   1. Is a graduate of a high school, which is accredited by a regional accrediting association as defined by the United States Office of Education or approved by a State Department of Education or other appropriate state educational agency.
   2. Has a high school certificate of equivalency.
   3. Is at least 18 years of age and demonstrates evidence of potential success in the community college.
   4. Is a transfer student in good standing from another college or university.
       
2. Admission of Students Under 18 Years of Age
   1. A community college in this state shall grant admission to any student who is under eighteen years of age and who achieves at least one of the following:
      1. A composite score of 720 or more on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT).
      2. A composite score of 720 or more on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
      3. A composite score of twelve or more on the American College Test (ACT).
      4. A passing score on the relevant portions of the statewide assessment.
      5. The completion of a college placement method designated by the community college district that indicates the student is at the appropriate college level for the course.
      6. Is a graduate of a private or public high school or has a high school certificate of equivalency.
   2. A community college may limit the number of semester hours in which the student may enroll to not more than six (6) credit hours.
   3. Home schooled students are exempt from this sub-section.
   4. Students who enroll in vocational courses may be admitted on an individual basis with the approval of college officials if the students meets the established requirements of the courses for which the student enrolls and the college official determines that the student's admission is in the best interest of the student.
       
3. Specialized Vocational / Training Program 
   Students who enroll in vocational courses may be admitted on an individual basis with the approval of college officials if the student meets the established requirements of the courses for which the student enrolls and the college officials determine that the student’s admission is in the best interest of the student.
    
4. Western Undergraduate Exchange Program 
   The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program is a student exchange program coordinated by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and administered by the Arizona Board of Regents. Through WUE, students who reside in western states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming) and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNIMI) and who meet the eligibility requirements, pay 150 percent of the regular resident tuition plus fees. Students must mark prominently on the Student Information Form that they seek admission as WUE students. Students may not apply as out-of-state students and expect to receive the WUE tuition rate after admitted. Once admitted as WUE students, students may not petition for in-state residency. Further information may be obtained from the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services.
    
5. Admission of F-1 Non-immigrant Students 
   Prospective students should contact the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services or designated office for the international student application form(s) or apply online at https://www.maricopa.edu/become-student/international-admissions. When completed, the form(s) should be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services or the International Education office with all requested supporting documents. After the file has been reviewed, a notice will be sent to the applicant indicating either acceptance or denial of admission. 
   
   To be guaranteed consideration for admission, all application materials must be received by July 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester.
   
   Prospective students seeking admission based on F-1 non-immigrant status must provide proof of secondary school completion with documentation comparable to a United States high school diploma or higher degree. It is recommended that F-1 non-immigrant students have graduated in the upper 50% of their secondary school (high school or equivalent) in order to ensure success in academic classes at this college. Applicants for admission to the college must have high school and college (if applicable) transcripts sent directly from the high school or college to the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services or designated office. In addition, it is the applicant’s responsibility to have all transcripts translated into English and evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation service if necessary.
    
6. Admission to Academic Programs 
   Applicants who wish to enroll in an academic program at the college must present evidence of English language proficiency. If the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is used to satisfy this requirement, the applicant must attain a score of at least 500 (on the paper-based TOEFL) or 61 (on the internet-based TOEFL, known as the iBT). Some colleges may have a higher minimum score requirement for admission to specific academic programs. Students should contact their respective college for its English language proficiency requirements. If the International Language Testing System (IELTS) is used to satisfy this requirement, an IELTS overall Band Score of 5.5 or better is required, and a minimum IELTS individual Band Score of 5.0 on each module is recommended. The Dean or Director of the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services or designee of the college may accept other proof of English language proficiency for admission purposes; including, but not limited to, the ACCUPLACER, ASSET, COMPASS and CELSA tests.
    
7. Admission to an Intensive English Program 
   Applicants for admission to an Intensive English Program are advised to check with individual colleges for their respective admission requirements. Applicants must provide evidence of at least an intermediate command of English by way of one or more of the following criteria:
   1. At least six years of English language instruction as shown by the applicant’s school transcript(s);
   2. A minimum TOEFL score of 400 (on the paper-based TOEFL) or 23 (on the internet-based test);
   3. An original letter of recommendation from a teacher, school principal or headmaster/ headmistress, or the director of an English language institute attesting to the applicant’s proficiency at the intermediate level;
   4. Other credentials, test scores, interview results, or evidence accepted by the coordinator of an intensive English program or the college’s responsible designee. Students admitted to an Intensive English Program will not be allowed to enroll in courses outside those officially designated as part of the program unless and until they have met all of the prerequisites or other course requirements.
   5. Foreign students under certain types of visas may need special permission to enroll and should contact the appropriate college official.
       

8. Financial Support
   Evidence of financial support will be required prior to issuance of the I-20 form. The colleges have no scholarship or financial aid provisions for foreign students; therefore, students must be fully prepared to meet the necessary financial obligations for the full time they will be in the United States. The colleges estimate a student’s average expenses for 10 months to be:

   Tuition and Fees	$9,115 (1)
   Living Expenses	$17,200 (2)
   Books	$1,104 (3)
   Health Insurance	$2,800 (4)
   Total	$30,219 (5)

9. Dependent Financial Guarantee 
   Evidence of financial support for dependents of F-1 and M-1 students (spouse and dependent children) is also required: $5,000 for the first dependent and $2,500 for each additional dependent.
    
10. Health Insurance 
    All F-1 and M-1 students who have an I-20 issued by one of the Maricopa Community Colleges are required to purchase the Maricopa Community Colleges' international student health insurance plan. Health insurance coverage for dependents of F-1 and M-1 students is highly recommended. The Maricopa Community Colleges contracts with an insurance provider annually to offer a health insurance plan for F-1 and M-1 students. For more information contact the college Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services or designated international student office.

Footnotes:
(1) Based on 2023-2024 tuition and fee schedule.
(2) Based on estimated living expenses for two (2) semesters (10 months).
(3) Based on average new and used textbook prices and rental rates. Assumes books are sold at the end of the semester.
(4) Based on the estimated 2023-2024 insurance premium for the mandatory Maricopa Community Colleges' International Student Health Plan.
(5) Applicants must provide evidence of this minimum amount of financial support before an I-20 is issued.

Students must file a Student Information Form, online or in-person, with the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services at the college of attendance. There is no charge for this service.

1. Student Classifications 
   Some financial aid programs have specific criteria based on the student’s classification (grade level). A student's classification does not necessarily correspond to the number of semesters or credits required to complete all degree requirements, as some degree programs require more than the standard 60 for associate’s or 120 for bachelor’s degrees. Classification includes MCCCD and accepted transfer credit.​
    

   Number of Credits	Classification	Applies To
   0-29	Freshmen	Certificates Associate's Degrees Bachelor's Degrees
   30-59	Sophomore	Certificates Associate's Degrees Bachelor's Degrees
   60+	Sophomore	And Still in Pursuit Of A Certificates Or Associate's Degrees
   60-89	Junior	Bachelor's Degree
   90 Or More	Senior	Bachelor's Degree

    

2. Student Identification Number 
   Disclosure of the social security number is voluntary (ARS §15-1823). However, students must use social security numbers for reporting information pertaining to potential educational tax credits and for processing federal financial aid applications and Veterans Administration benefits.
3. Residency for Tuition Purposes (See Appendix S-1)
   All students are classified for tuition purposes under one of the following residency classifications:
   
   1. Maricopa County resident
   2. Out-of-County resident
   3. Out-of-State resident (including F-1 non-immigrant students and students on other non-immigrant visas)
4. Residency Determination
   Residency for tuition purposes is determined in accordance with state law (ARS §§15-1801 et seq. and ARS §§15-1803) and regulations of the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board. All of the Maricopa Community Colleges are subject to the above statutes and regulations. Students who have questions about their residency should contact the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services for clarification.
   
   1. Implementation
      
      1. An applicant must be eligible to attend post-secondary education in the   United States prior to being eligible to register for classes and pay fees.
      2. Domicile status must be established before the student registers and pays fees. It is the student's responsibility to register under the correct domicile status.
      3. Enforcement of domicile requirements shall be the responsibility of the Chancellor of the Maricopa Community Colleges. The Chancellor has charged the Director of Admissions and Records or other designee at each college to make the initial domicile classification. In determining a student's classification, the college may consider all evidence, written or oral, presented by the student and any other information received from any source which is relevant to determining classification. The college may request written sworn statements or sworn testimony of the student.
      4. A request for review of the initial classification may be made to a district review committee. The request must be in writing, signed by the student and accompanied by a sworn statement of all facts relevant to the matter. The request must be filed with the admissions officer of the college within ten (10) days of receipt of notification of classification as a non-resident. Failure to properly file a request for review within the prescribed time limit constitutes a waiver of review for the current enrollment period. The decision of the review committee shall be final.
   2. Definitions 
      
      1. ​“Armed Forces of the United States” means the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard, the commissioned corps of the United States Public Health Services, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Guard, or any military reserve unit of any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States.
      2. "Continuous attendance" means enrollment at one of Maricopa Community Colleges as a full-time or part-time student for a normal academic year since the beginning of the period for which continuous attendance is claimed. Students need not attend summer sessions or other such intersession beyond the normal academic year in order to maintain continuous attendance.
      3. "Maricopa County resident" means an individual lives in Maricopa County and has lived in the state of Arizona for at least one year prior (365 days) to the first day of the semester (as published in the approved MCCCD academic calendar posted online at Academic Calendars) and who is a United States citizen or in a lawful status. In-state residency must be established prior to county residency for those moving from other states. Refer to Section C for guidelines.
      4. "Domicile" means a person's true, fixed, and permanent home and place of habitation. It is the place where he or she intends to remain and to which he or she expects to return when he or she leaves without intending to establish a new domicile elsewhere. Visa status must confer the ability to establish domicile in the United States in order to be classified as an in-state student
      5. "Emancipated person" means a person who is neither under a legal duty of service to his parent nor entitled to the support of such parent under the laws of this state.
      6. "Full-time student" means one who registers for at least twelve (12) credit hours per semester.
      7. "Part-time student" means one who registers for fewer than twelve (12) credit hours per semester.
      8. "Parent" means a person's father, or mother, or if one parent has custody, that parent, or if there is no surviving parent or the whereabouts of the parents are unknown, then a guardian of an unemancipated person if there are not circumstances indicating that such guardianship was created primarily for the purpose of conferring the status of an in-state student on such unemancipated person.
   3. Criteria for Determining Residency 
      
      1. ​In-State Student Status
         1. Except as otherwise provided in this article, no person having a domicile elsewhere than in this state is eligible for classification as an in-state student for tuition purposes. (Applicants applying for in-state tuition status may be required to provide supporting documentation for identification and residency classification.)
         2. A person is not entitled to classification as an in-state student until the person is domiciled in this state for one year preceding the official starting day of the semester, except that a person whose domicile is in this state is entitled to classification as a Maricopa County resident if the person meets one of the following requirements:
            
            1. The person’s parent's domicile is in this state and the parent is allowed to claim the person as an exemption for state and federal tax purposes.
            2. The person is an employee of an employer which transferred the person to this state for employment purposes or the person is the spouse of such an employee.
            3. The person is an employee of a school District in this state and is under contract to teach on a full-time basis, or is employed as a full-time non-certified classroom aide, at a school within that school District. For purposes of this paragraph, the person is eligible for classification as an in-state student only for courses necessary to complete the requirements for certification by the state board of education to teach in a school District in this state. No member of the person’s family is eligible for classification as an in-state student if the person is eligible for classification as an in-state student pursuant to this paragraph, unless the family member is otherwise eligible for classification as an in-state student pursuant to this section. Eligibility for in-state tuition is subject to verification of intent to domicile in this state.  Determination of residency is made by the admissions and records office/office of enrollment services.
            4. The person’s spouse (spouse must be in an eligible status to qualify for in-state residency) has established domicile in this state for at least one year and has demonstrated intent and financial independence and is entitled to claim the student as an exemption for state and federal tax purposes or the person’s spouse was temporarily out of state for educational purposes, but maintained a domicile in this state. If the person is a non-citizen, the person must be in an eligible visa status pursuant to federal law to classify as an in-state student for tuition purposes.
            5. The person is a citizen of The Federated States of Micronesia, The Republic of the Marshall Islands, or The Republic of Palau as stipulated in Section 209 (B)(1)(E) of Title II of Division G of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-42).
         3. The domicile of an unemancipated person is that of such person's parent.
         4. An unemancipated person who remains in this state when such person's parent, who had been domiciled in this state, removes from this state is entitled to classification as an in-state student until attainment of the degree for which currently enrolled, as long as such person maintains continuous attendance.
         5. A person who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and who is stationed in this state pursuant to military orders or who is the spouse or a dependent child of a person who is a member of the armed forces of the United States and who is stationed in this state pursuant to military orders is entitled to classification as an in-state student. The student does not lose in-state student classification while in continuous attendance toward the degree for which he or she is currently enrolled.
         6. A person who is a member of the armed forces of the United States or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the armed forces of the United States is entitled to classification as an in-state student if the member of the armed forces has claimed this state as the person's state of home record for at least twelve consecutive months before the member of the armed forces, spouse or dependent enrolls in a university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Board of Regents or a community college under jurisdiction of a community college district governing board. For purposes of this subsection, the requirement that a person be domiciled in this state for one year before enrollment to qualify for in-state student classification does not apply.
         7. Immediate classification as an in-state student shall be granted to a veteran who meets the provisions of Arizona statute HB 2091, paragraph G, which reads:  
            A person holding an honorable discharge from the uniformed services of the United States from either active duty or reserve or national guard status, or who has retired from active duty or reserve or national guard status, shall be granted immediate classification as an in state student and, while continuously enrolled, does not lose in state student classification if the person has demonstrated objective evidence of intent to be a resident of Arizona that, for the purposes of this section, includes at least one of the following:
            
            1. Registration to vote in this state.
            2. An Arizona driver license.
            3. Arizona motor vehicle registration.
            4. Employment history in Arizona.
            5. Transfer of major banking services to Arizona.
            6. Change of permanent address on all pertinent records.
            7. Other materials of whatever kind or source relevant to domicile or residency status.

         8. A student using Chapter 30, 33, or 35 benefits who does not otherwise qualify under item 7 above (paragraph G of PL 2091), or a veteran’s dependent or spouse who is using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) benefits or the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, will be eligible for immediate classification as an in-state student if they provide the institution a current certificate of eligibility or ebenefits statement showing the student is eligible for chapter 30, 33, or 35 Veteran Affairs (VA), education benefits and documentation showing the student is residing within the state.

            Students are required to submit the following:

            1. Certificate of eligibility letter or ebenefits statement from the Veteran Affairs (VA)  awarding Chapter 30, 33, or 35 benefits or the Fry Scholarship, or the Dept. of Defense document approving the transfer of CH. 33 benefits
            2. Students must also provide at least one of the following to show presence within the state:
               
               1. Registration to vote in this state.
               2. An Arizona driver license.
               3. Arizona motor vehicle registration.
               4. Employment history in Arizona.
               5. Transfer of major banking services in Arizona.
               6. Change of permanent address on all pertinent records.
               7. Other materials of whatever kind or source relevant to domicile or residency status.
                  
                  GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the
                  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.    

         9. Per Arizona state law, a  person who is honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States on either Active duty or Reserve or National Guard status, or who has retired from Active duty or Reserve or National Guard Status, shall be granted immediate classification as an in-state student on honorable discharge from the Armed forces and, while in continuous attendance toward the degree for which currently enrolled, does not lose in-state student classification if the person has met the following requirements:     

                a. Registered to vote in this state.

                b. Demonstrated objective evidence of intent to be a resident of Arizona which, for the purposes of this section, include at least one of the following:

                    1. An Arizona driver license

                    2. Arizona motor vehicle registration

                    3. Employment history in Arizona

                    4. Transfer of major banking services to Arizona

                    5. Change of permanent address on all pertinent records

                    6. Other materials of whatever kind or source relevant to domicile or residency status

         10. A student using any VA educational benefits who does not otherwise qualify under items above shall be granted immediate classification as an in-state student, and while continuously enrolled does not lose in-state student classification if the person has demonstrated objective evidence of intent to be a resident of Arizona that for the purposes of this section, includes at least one of the following:

             1.       Registration to vote in this state

             2.       An Arizona driver license

             3.       Arizona motor vehicle registration

             4.       Employment history in Arizona

             5.       Transfer of major banking services to Arizona.

             6.       Change of permanent address on all pertinent records

             7.       Other material of whatever kind or source relevant to domicile or residency status. 

         11. A person who is a member of an Indian tribe recognized by the United States Department of the Interior whose reservation land lies in the state and extends into another state and who is a resident of the reservation is entitled to classification as an in-state student.
      2. Alien In-State Student Status
         1. An alien is entitled to classification as an in-state refugee student if such person has been granted refugee status in accordance with all applicable laws of the United States and has met all other requirements for domicile.

         2. Notwithstanding any other law, a student, other than a nonimmigrant alien as described in 8 United States code section 1101(A)(15), who meets both of the following requirements is eligible for in- state tuition at any community college as defined in ARS 15-1401:

            Attended any public or private high school option or homeschool equivalent pursuant to ARS 15-802 while physically present in this state for at least two years.

            Graduated from any public or private high school option or homeschool equivalent pursuant to ARS 15-802 while physically present in this state or obtained a high school equivalency diploma in this state.

         3. Persons without lawful immigration status are eligible for in-state tuition pursuant to subsection 2 of this section
         4. A student will be assessed out-of-state tuition until such time that documentation of status is received in the Office of Admissions and Records/Enrollment Services and (eligibility for) residency is confirmed. Documentation must be provided prior to the end of the term in which residency classification is being requested. Documentation received after the end of term will be used for residency determination in subsequent terms.
         5. In establishing domicile, the alien must not hold a visa that prohibits establishing domicile in the United States and this state. After meeting other domicile requirements, students holding valid, unexpired visas in the following categories may be classified as in-state students (See Appendix S-1A).
         6. A student must verify U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or other lawful immigration status. Lawful immigration status means they have legal authority to be in the United States and also have the authority to go to school while in the United States.
         7. Students who hold a current or expired visa and have applied for a change of status will retain their immigration status based on their prior visa status and not the status or visa for which they are applying. Students will need to submit a copy of the new visa card with the updated status.  The timeline for establishing domicile begins with the issue date on the current visa that allows for establishment of residency.
         8. Please note: Two requirements must be met to qualify for instate tuition.  
            1. A student must meet the domicile residency requirement of residing in the State of Arizona for one year preceding the official start of the semester. 
            2. The student must have an immigration status that allows for the establishment of residency for one (1) year. 
         9. (Applicants applying for in- state tuition status will be required to provide supporting documentation for identification and residency classification) all applicants for in-state tuition may be required to provide a combination of the following documents:
         10. An Arizona Driver's License issued after 1996 or an Arizona Non-operating Identification License or an Arizona Instruction Permit.
         11. A birth certificate or delayed birth certificate issued in any state, territory, or possession of the United States (A hospital record/certificate is not acceptable. A certified abstract of birth with the official state seal and/or watermark is acceptable).
         12. A United States Certificate of Birth Abroad.
         13. A United States Passport.
         14. A Foreign Passport with a United States Visa.
         15. An 1-94 Form with a Photograph.
         16. An appropriately designated United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization (Work Permit) or Refugee Travel Document [as listed on the Employee Authorization Document Chart]. (Additional documents may be required with an employee authorization card.)
         17. A United States Permanent Resident Card.
         18. A United States Certificate of Naturalization.
         19. A United States Certification of Citizenship.
         20. A Tribal Certificate of Indian Blood.
         21. A Tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs Affidavit of Birth. 
             
             * Tribal members*, the Elderly and "Persons with disabilities or incapacity of the Mind or Body," may submit certain types of documentation under section 1903 of the federal Social Security Act (42 United States Code 1396B, As Amended By Section 6036 of the Federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005)**
             
             *A Document issued by a federally recognized Indian Tribe Evidencing Membership or Enrollment in, or affiliation with, such tribe.
      3. Presumptions Relating to Student Status
         Unless there is evidence to the contrary, the registering authority of the community college or university at which a student is registering will presume that:
         1. No emancipated person has established a domicile in this state while attending any educational institution in this state as a full-time student, as such status is defined by the community college district governing board or the Arizona Board of Regents, in the absence of a clear demonstration to the contrary.
         2. Once established, a domicile is not lost by mere absence unaccompanied by intention to establish a new domicile.
         3. A person who has been domiciled in this state immediately before becoming a member of the Armed Forces of the United States shall not lose in-state status by reason of such person's presence in any other state or country while a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.
      4. Proof of Residency
         When a student's residency is questioned, the following proof will be required.
         1. Establishing Domicile 
            
            1. An affidavit signed by the student must be filed with the person responsible for verifying residency.
            2. A combination of the following may be used in determining a student's domicile in Arizona:
               1. Arizona income tax return
               2. Arizona Voter registration
               3. Arizona Motor Vehicle registration
               4. Arizona Driver's license
               5. Employment history in Arizona
               6. Place of graduation from high school
               7. Source of financial support
               8. Dependency as indicated on federal income tax return
               9. Ownership of real property
               10. Notarized statement of landlord and/or employer
               11. Transfer of major banking services to Arizona
               12. Change of permanent address on all pertinent records
               13. Arizona Department of Children Services documents related to foster care placement
               14. Other relevant information
         2. County Residency
            A combination of the following may be used to determine a student's county residency:
            
            1. Notarized statements of landlord and/or employer
            2. Source of financial support
            3. Place of graduation from high school
            4. Ownership of real property
            5. Bank accounts
            6. Arizona income tax return
            7. Dependency as indicated on a Federal income tax return
            8. Other relevant information
   4. Concurrent Enrollment in Arizona Public Institutions of Higher Education (ARS §15-1807)(See Appendix S-3)
      Under Arizona Revised Statutes §15-1807, it is unlawful for any non-resident student to register concurrently in two or more public institutions of higher education in this state including any university, college or community college for a combined student credit hour enrollment of more than six (6) credit hours without payment of non-resident tuition at one of such institutions. Any non-resident student desiring to enroll concurrently in two or more public institutions of higher education in this state including any university or community college for a combined total of more than six (6) credit hours who is not subject to non-resident tuition at any of such institutions shall pay the non-resident tuition at the institution of his choice in an amount equivalent to non-resident tuition at such institution for the combined total of credit hours for which the non-resident student is concurrently enrolled.

1. Veterans 
   By Arizona statute, any failing grades from any Arizona university or community college that were received prior to military service will not be used to determine admission to the community college for the honorably discharged veterans with two years' service in the Armed Forces of the United States. Students admitted or readmitted to the community college under this statute are subject to progression, retention, graduation and other academic regulations and standards. (See Administrative Regulation 2.3.6 Withdrawal)
2. Ability to Benefit 
   
   1. ​Federal guidelines require that students who are applying for financial aid demonstrate the ability to benefit. Under federal law, a student who enrolls after June 30, 2012, must be a high school graduate, have a GED certificate, or have completed a secondary school education in a home school setting that is treated as a home school or private school under state law, be admitted as a regular student, and be pursuing an eligible degree or certificate to qualify for federal financial assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.
   2. For student enrolled prior to July 1, 2012, an evaluation during the admission process resulted in the student being admitted to the college with the status of Regular, Regular with Provisional Requirements or Special.
      
      1. "Regular" status, for the purpose of 2.2.3.2, is granted to an individual admitted to the college who is a high school graduate, has a GED certificate, or has completed a secondary school education in a home school setting that is treated as a home school or private school under state law. A student without a high school diploma or GED certification and beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance may be a regular status student if the student has been assessed to benefit from college instruction by receiving qualifying scores on approved assessment instruments. All regular status students must be pursuing a degree/certificate in an eligible program.
      2. "Regular with Provisional Requirements" status, for the purpose of 2.2.3.2, is granted to a student admitted to the college who is not a high school graduate, does not have a GED certificate, is beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance, or has completed a secondary school education in a home school setting that is treated as a home school or private school under state law, but has been assessed to benefit from college instruction and is pursuing a degree/certificate in an eligible program.
      3. "Special" status, for the purpose of 2.2.3.2, is granted to a student admitted to the college for concurrent enrollment or pursuing one or more courses of special interest and who meets all the requirements for admission.
3. Transcripts 
   The Maricopa Community Colleges reserve the right to require an official transcript for admission to specific programs, for verification of course requisites and for determination of academic standing. The official transcript must be sent directly from the source institution to the college Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services. The official transcripts may be sent via a secured website.  Please contact the Admissions office of the Maricopa College you plan to attend to verify which secure websites may be valid.  It is the student's responsibility to ensure that official transcripts have been received and are complete.
    
   Students entering as high school graduates may be required to submit high school transcripts.  Please contact the Admissions office of the Maricopa College you plan to attend for more information on preparing a home-schooled official transcript. Students entering as GED recipients may be required to present a copy of the high school equivalency certificate or official report of qualifying GED scores.
4. Educational Assessment 
   All students are encouraged to undergo an educational assessment to determine course placement. Prospective students who do not possess a high school diploma or GED equivalence certificate are required to complete an educational assessment to determine their ability to benefit from college instruction. See Student Course Placement Process (AR 2.2.7)
5. High Pressure Recruitment Tactics 
   The Maricopa County Community College District prohibits its employees from engaging in high-pressure recruitment tactics or in providing to any person or entity engaged in student recruitment, admission activity, or in making decisions regarding the award of Title IV, HEA funds, any commissions, bonuses, or other incentive payments based, in any part, directly, or indirectly upon successfully securing enrollments or the awarding of financial aid. (34 CFR 668.14(a)(22)(i)). 
6.  Programs Leading to Licensure
   The Maricopa Community colleges provides disclosures of whether a program meets the academic requirements for professional licensure within Arizona.
7.  Determining Student Location
   A determination of a student’s location is made and documented in the student information system at the time of application on review of the completed student application for admission. A student’s initial location at the time of enrollment is defined as where a student is physically located while engaged in their academic program. Students who are not located in a state in which an individual Maricopa Community College(s) is authorized to enroll students or otherwise exempt from authorization may not be enrolled.
   
   Students are required to notify the Maricopa Community College(s) they attend of a change in location. Students may also update their local address at any time in self-service within the student information system. Should college personnel be notified in writing by a student that the physical location where the student will be engaged in their academic program has changed, this is considered a formal receipt of information, and the student will be guided to document the change in self-service within the student information system.
   
   Initial and continued enrollment in an online program may be subject to where the student is physically located while taking the course(s). Students who relocate to a state where the college is not authorized or otherwise exempt, may have their enrollment negatively affected. Students who are pursuing a program leading to licensure or certification should contact the Admissions and Records office at their college to review any potential impacts from a change in location.

TRANSFER CREDIT

A student enrolling at one of the Maricopa Community Colleges after having attended other post-secondary institutions can have coursework evaluated for transfer credit. To be eligible for evaluation, coursework must appear on official transcripts from the source institutions. The official transcripts must be mailed or sent through an approved electronic transfer method directly from the source institutions to the Admissions and Records/Enrollment Services Office of the receiving institutions. Exceptions may be made for students who are identified as part of a special reverse transfer cohort (e.g. reverse transfer), who have transcript exchange as a cohort condition.  Other exceptions may be made on a case by case basis. Hand-carried and emailed transcripts cannot be accepted for an official evaluation. Students should allow approximately 10 days before confirming with your Maricopa Community College that the transcript(s) was received.  The Admissions and Records/Enrollment Services Office at the receiving institutions will complete course-by-course evaluations for all submitted transcripts upon student request. The award of transfer credit shall not express or imply that all transfer credit will be fully accepted or applied toward all Maricopa degree and certificate requirements.
 

The Maricopa Community Colleges will evaluate coursework from institutions listed in the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, accredited by recognized U.S. accrediting organizations at the time the coursework was taken.  To be “recognized” means that the accreditors in the database have been reviewed by the Council For Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or both and meet the quality standards of the respective organizations.

College-level courses completed outside the United States and recorded on official transcripts will be evaluated for transfer credit, provided that the institution where the courses were taken is accredited by the Ministry of Education in that country. It is the student’s responsibility to submit all foreign and international transcripts to an approved international credential evaluation service to be translated into English (when applicable), evaluated on a course-by-course-basis, and sent directly to the receiving college(s). Contact your College Admissions and Records/Enrollment Services Office to obtain a list of recommended evaluation services.

CONDITIONS OF TRANSFER CREDIT:

• Credits transferred from outside of MCCCD graded on a plus/minus system are converted to a letter grade associated with MCCCD's grading scale. The conversion of that plus/minus grade will be determined by the grade point value of each grade, as indicated on the grading scale of the transferring institution. Please refer to A.R. 2.3.3 Grading. Only courses with a grade equal to a 2.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) are transferable. 
   
• Developmental coursework is accepted for the purpose of fulfilling course prerequisites.  However, the credit does not apply toward a degree or certificate, and it does not transfer to another postsecondary institution.  It does, however, get added to the transfer credit report as part of the evaluation. Course credit below 100 level, earned at a MCCCD institution prior to August 2020 or at a sending institution, cannot be used to calculate grade level.
   
• Courses with different credit systems (quarter hours, trimester, units) are converted to semester hours of credit. The semester conversion of quarter credits is at a rate of .67 semester credits for each quarter credit. For example, 4 quarter credits will convert to 2.68 semester credits. Trimester credits will be determined by the credit definition of the transferring institution, and converted, as needed, to semester credits. 
   
• The age of credit may be considered in applying credit toward degrees and certificate programs as outlined in A.R. 2.2.5 Catalog Under Which A Student Graduates.
   
• Courses accepted as equivalent do not necessarily apply toward the requirements for the student’s declared degree or certificate at MCCCD.

Please refer to 2.3.9 General Graduation Requirements regarding MCCCD residency requirements to graduate.

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT (PLA)

The Maricopa Community Colleges are committed to the idea that people deserve credit for verifiable college-level learning, no matter how it was acquired. Many people have developed learning outside of the traditional classroom. This evaluation of credit is referred to as Prior Learning Assessment, or PLA. Prior learning can be identified and assessed in a variety of ways to determine if college credit should be awarded. Credit is awarded only to certificate or degree seeking students who:

1. plan to enroll, and
2. are admitted and matriculated within the college awarding the credit.

Exceptions can be made for contractual agreements. One such exception includes evaluation of journeymen cards for apprentices from current or former apprenticeship partners, or other registered apprenticeship sponsors and intermediaries. Credits awarded for journeymen have a specific PLA evaluation process and separate fee policies.

PLA credit may be applied toward a degree program, certificate, general education requirements, required courses, restricted electives, and general electives that count toward the student’s elected pathway.  Some restrictions may apply depending on the specific program of study. PLA credit may also be used to satisfy prerequisite requirements.

Students seeking an associate degree may be awarded no more than 45 credit hours through Prior Learning Assessment, unless required by a specific program of study within the Maricopa Community Colleges. Up to 60 credits earned through PLA can be applied to a Bachelor’s degree. Evaluated credit from post-secondary institutions and military credit as indicated on Joint Service transcripts, Community College of the Air Force, and Air University are not included in this credit limitation. Evaluated credit and credit awarded for prior learning does not count as hours in residence for graduation requirements. Please refer to 2.3.9 General Graduation Requirements. Exceptions to this institutional regulation must have prior written approval of the program director, faculty chair, or designee and documentation of rationale and approval included as part of the admission process and/or application to graduate. No more than 20 credit hours may be applied to the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC). Please direct questions about Prior Learning Assessment at the Maricopa Community Colleges to the Admissions and Records/Enrollment Services Office.

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT FEE SCHEDULE

NATIONAL STANDARDIZED EXAMS

ACE (American Council On Education) has published credit recommendations for a number of national standardized examinations such as the ones listed below in the ACE National Guide. The Maricopa Community Colleges use these recommendations as guidelines to award credit for equivalent coursework as well as elective credit. The number of credits listed in the ACE National Guide are recommendations only. A college is not required to grant a student the number of credits recommended.

Scores must be sent directly to the Admissions and Records/Enrollment Services Office from the specific testing companies before credit is awarded; equivalencies are subject to review and change. Credit received through Prior Learning Assessment is transferable within the Maricopa Community Colleges but is not necessarily transferable to other colleges and universities. Therefore, students are strongly advised to research the Prior Learning Assessment policies at any college or university outside of the Maricopa Community Colleges to which they plan to transfer.  Credit for national standardized exams is awarded based on equivalencies in effect at the time of evaluation.  Changes to exams and scores are determined by the respective Maricopa Instructional Councils (ICS) and/or Statewide Articulation Task Forces (ATFS).

Maricopa recognizes the following examinations:

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• American College Testing Proficiency Examination Program (ACT-PEP)
• Cambridge International Exams (CIE), A and AS LEVEL
• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• Defense Activity For Non-Traditional Education Support [DANTES] Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
• GED, College Ready + Scores
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma/Certificate

Fees for standardized exams are the responsibility of the student.

Current list of exams and scores

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) CREDIT

Students who have taken an advanced placement course of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) in their secondary school and who have taken an Advanced Placement Examination of the CEEB may receive course credit. Scores must be received directly from CEEB to Admissions and Records/Enrollment Services before credit is awarded.

AMERICAN COLLEGE TESTING PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION PROGRAM

The Maricopa Community Colleges may award credit for the American College Testing Proficiency Examination Program (ACT-PEP) based on the scores earned to Admissions and Records/Enrollment Services.

CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS (CIE) A AND AS LEVEL

Students who have taken a Cambridge International Examination may receive college credit.  Scores must be received directly from CIE to Admissions and Records/Enrollment Services before credit is awarded.

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)

Students who have taken a College Level Examination of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) may receive college credit.  Scores must be received directly to Admissions and Records/Enrollment Services from CEEB before credit is awarded.

Estrella Mountain Community College, Glendale Community College, South Mountain Community College, Rio Salado College, Paradise Valley Community College, and Mesa Community College are CLEP test sites. For more information on registering for the CLEP examinations, contact the Testing Centers at these colleges.

DSST (Formerly DEFENSE ACTIVITY FOR NON-TRADITIONAL EDUCATION SUPPORT or DANTES)

The Maricopa Community Colleges may award credit for DSST Examination Program to individuals who meet or exceed the ACE recommended scores for awarding credit on the DSST Exams. The Maricopa Community Colleges do not award credit for ENG 102 through DSST Examination. Credit received through DSST is transferable within the Maricopa Community Colleges, but is not necessarily transferable to other colleges and universities. 

Currently, DSST proctoring is available at Rio Salado College testing centers. For additional information on registering for DSST Examinations, call (480) 517-8560.

Students who have taken a DSST Examination may receive college credit.  Scores must be received directly from DSST before credit is awarded.

GED EXAMS

The Maricopa Community Colleges may award credit for GED subject area scores designated as College Ready + In Accordance with the ACE recommended scores.  The transcript needs to be sent directly by the Department Of Education to the Admissions and Records Office /Enrollment Services in order to be awarded credit.  Disclaimer: test scores are continually reviewed and may be updated at any time.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) DIPLOMA/CERTIFICATE

Students who present an International Baccalaureate Diploma/Certificate may qualify for college credit. Maricopa grants credit for college-level courses only. Scores must be received directly from the institution where the exams were administered before credit is awarded.      

ACE (AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATION) RECOMMENDED CREDIT

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES IN THE ARMED SERVICES

The Maricopa Community Colleges may award credit for military experiences based on the ACE Military Guide. A student may receive college credit if:

• Training parallels a discipline area offered through the Maricopa Community Colleges, and
• Credit meets a program requirement or is used as elective credit.

Upon request, individuals who have successfully completed basic training, four (4) credit hours in physical education will be awarded as indicated in the ACE Guide and the Community College of the Air Force catalog. Official documentation of military training is required.      
 

ORGANIZATIONS PARTNERED WITH ACE 

ACE evaluates training programs offered by business, industry, and government and publishes its credit recommendations in the ACE National Guide. If a student has received training that appears in the guide, they may receive college credit if:

• Training parallels a discipline area offered through the Maricopa Community Colleges, and
• Credit meets a program requirement or is used as elective credit.

CREDIT BY EVALUATION

INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED CREDENTIALS, INDUSTRY/CORPORATE TRAINING, and NON-CREDIT COURSEWORK

A variety of professional certifications and industry credentials can be evaluated for college credit through a credit by evaluation process. Students may apply for a Credit By Evaluation in certain courses by obtaining the appropriate form in the Admissions and Records /Enrollment Services Office. The credit awarded is based on competencies demonstrated through the successful attainment of the credential or certification, and the training must be verifiable through a third party that has the authority to issue the credential or certification.

INDIVIDUALIZED PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENTS

Portfolios consist of documentation and corresponding narrative submitted for credit that demonstrates comprehensive proficiency of course competencies. Individual portfolios are assessed using current MCCCD standards. If an approved standardized or challenge exam exists, MCCCD may choose not to offer a portfolio option.

Some academic departments may have additional requirements that must be met before credit may be granted through Credit By Evaluation. When credit is granted a notation of "other credits," and the type of training, number of credits, and a grade of pass "P" will appear on the student's transcript. These credits are not used in computing the grade point average. Credit By Evaluation is transferable within the Maricopa Community Colleges, but is not necessarily transferable to other colleges and universities.  Students may not request:

• To challenge a course a second time;
• To challenge a course while currently enrolled in the course;
• To establish credit in a previously completed course; and
• To establish credit for a lower level of a course in which credit has been received.

DEPARTMENTAL CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
Departmental exams may be available for particular courses. If a student is pursuing this option for an approved course, they may apply by obtaining the appropriate form in the admissions and records/enrollment services department, paying the required fee, and completing the examination and other requirements of the college. Please refer to Appendix S-4 (Tuition and Fee Schedule) for appropriate fees. Students may not request:

• To challenge a course a second time;
• To challenge a course while currently enrolled in the course;
• To establish credit in a previously completed course; and
• To establish credit for a lower level of a course in which credit has been received.

Additionally:

• Exceptions may be granted at some of the Maricopa Community Colleges for their unique programs of study. Specialized programs may allow courses to be repeated due to the student needing to have recent knowledge of the content in order to progress in the program.
• Academic departments may have additional requirements that must be met before credit may be granted through departmental credit by examination.
• Only grades of A, B, C, D or P earned as a result of this examination will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Fees are not refundable after the examination has been administered, regardless of results.
• When credit is granted as outlined above, a notation of “Credit By Exam,” a grade and the number of credits will appear on the student’s transcript.

PLA AND TRANSFER DISCLAIMER

If pursuing a transfer degree (AA, ABUS, AS, AAEE, AAFA, or Articulated Academic Degree Program), transfer credit and PLA will be granted for the purpose of satisfying Maricopa graduation requirements. Because credits may not transfer to all colleges or universities, contact your transferring institution to determine their transfer credit and PLA requirements and policies. 

Catalogs for the Maricopa Community Colleges are published each academic year and contain information about courses, certificates, degrees, and academic regulations and procedures. Academic program requirements and academic regulations are updated often and may change.

In determining the catalog under which a student graduates, students maintaining continuous enrollment at any public Arizona community college or university may graduate according to the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment or according to the requirements of any catalog in effect during subsequent terms of continuous enrollment. Students may maintain continuous enrollment whether attending a public community college or public university or transferring among public institutions in Arizona.

The rules for maintaining continuous enrollment are:

1. A semester in which a student earns course credit will be counted toward continuous enrollment. Enrollment by Arizona community college students in nontransferable courses still constitutes enrollment for purposes of determining whether the student has been continuously enrolled. Noncredit courses, audited courses, failed courses and courses from which the student withdraws do not count toward the determination of continuous enrollment for catalog purposes.
2. Failure to earn course credit in three consecutive regular (Fall/Spring/Fall or Spring/Fall/Spring) semesters at any Arizona community college or public university means students are no longer considered continuously enrolled. Students are not obligated to enroll and earn course credit during summer terms, but summer
   enrollment may be used to maintain continuous enrollment status.
3. If continuous enrollment is not maintained, the student must fulfill the requirements for graduation specified in the catalog in effect at the time they readmit/enroll or any single catalog in effect during terms of continuous enrollment after readmitted/re-enrolling.
4. Students who initially admitted/enrolled or readmitted/re-enrolled to an Arizona community college or public university during a summer term must follow the requirements of the catalog in effect for the following fall semester or of any single catalog in effect during the subsequent terms of continuous enrollment.

Age of Credit

In areas of study in which the subject matter changes rapidly, material in courses taken long before graduation may become obsolete or irrelevant. Coursework that is more than ten years old is applicable to completion of certificate and degree requirements at the discretion of the designated individuals at the college. The college may accept such coursework, reject it, or request that the student revalidate its substance. The ten-year limit on coursework applies except when program accreditation agencies limit the life of coursework to less than ten years. Departments may also require students to satisfy current major requirements rather than major requirements in earlier catalogs, when completing earlier requirements is no longer possible or educationally sound. Exceptions made by a college apply only to the college that made the exception.

Continuous Enrollment Examples

*Please note that the above language is guided by statewide practices.

1. Academic Advising
   Students who will be attending college for the first time, and intend to earn a degree or to transfer to a college/university, will be required to meet with an academic advisor within the first two semesters at a MCCCD college.
   
   1. Recent high school students who received MCCCD credits through Dual/Concurrent Enrollment, ACE, Hoop of Learning, or any MCCCD Early Outreach Program are considered first time to college.
2. New Student Orientation 
   Students who will be attending college for the first time, and intend to earn a degree or to transfer to a college/university, will be encouraged to attend New Student Orientation within the first two semesters at a MCCCD college.
   
   1. Recent High School students who received MCCCD credits through Dual/Concurrent Enrollment, ACE, Hoop of Learning, or any MCCCD Early Outreach Program are considered first time to college.

1. Course Placement 
   
   1. Course placement assesses students’ skill levels in English, reading, and math to help determine which courses students should take first to be successful. Students who plan to register in English, reading, or math will be advised to enroll into courses based on valid District-approved placement methods.
   2. Students who place into course(s) that are below college-level (i.e., below 100-level) will be advised to enroll into the course(s) within the first two semesters.
   3. A department/division chair or designee may grant a course placement waiver under special circumstances.  The signed waiver will be noted on the student's electronic record. The process may also be done electronically without a signature if supported by the attending college.
   4. Course placement will be determined utilizing the District placement options under any one of the following conditions:
      
      1. The student is taking his or her first college credit English, reading and/or math course, or any college course for which English, reading or math is a prerequisite.
      2. The student is pursuing a degree or transfer pathway and does not have current valid District- approved course placement on file or does not have previous college credit in English, reading and math.
      3. The student for whom English is not the primary language and who is taking his or her first English as a Second Language class is required to take a test of English proficiency.
   5. Students will be exempt from the course placement process if at least one of the following conditions apply:
      
      1. The student has earned an associate or higher degree from an accredited college.
      2. The student has earned college credits from an accredited college in English, reading, and math with a grade of C or higher.
      3. The student has currently valid District-approved course placement scores on file.
      4. The student who is exempt from the course placement process must still fulfill the minimum graduation requirements.

2. Determining Course Placement 

   The Maricopa Community Colleges use multiple placement options. In cases, when a course placement test is given, scores will be valid for two years.  Other placement methods will also have limited time validity. For additional information, go to: Placement.

   1. Reading placement test scores that indicate “exempt from CRE101” do not expire.
   2. Students will be permitted one re-test in English, Reading, or by Math level after at least a 24-hour waiting period. One additional re-test is permitted no sooner than three months from the oldest valid score date at any course placement testing site.
   3. The Vice President of Student Affairs or designee may approve re-testing for students with special needs or circumstances. The re-test date will then serve as the date of record.
3. Implementation of Policy 
   To ensure consistency of the course placement process within the Maricopa Community Colleges:
   
   1. All colleges shall accept the same approved course placement methods.
   2. All colleges shall adhere to the same approved placement scores.
   3. All colleges shall adhere to the approved limited time validity for each course placement method. For more information, go to: Placement.
   4. Reading placement scores that indicate "Exempt from CRE101" Do Not Expire.
4. Evaluation 
   The Maricopa Community Colleges will provide an ongoing evaluation of the course placement process. An annual report shall be submitted to the Governing Board to indicate the policy's effectiveness noting the number of students assessed, their placement scores and their success in courses. Every three years a thorough review of the policy and procedures shall be implemented, including recommendations from the English, Reading and Math Instructional Councils regarding cut-off scores, course placement assessment tools and procedures.

Students must register according to the dates indicated, and in the manner described in the college class schedule. To be eligible for registration, students must have completed the appropriate steps listed under the Admissions section. The college may allow early or priority registration. Tuition and fees must be paid or payment arrangements made by the due date to secure class enrollment. Students may not attend a class for which they are not registered.

The colleges reserve the right to enroll students in courses. The final decision for admission to any class for students admitted under section 2 of AR 2.2.1 will be determined by the designated college administrator in consultation with the department chairperson and/or faculty.

Class Registration Deadlines:

1. For classes with published start dates and meeting times, registration in the class must be completed before the first official class meeting date and time. Students may not register for a class once it has started. Self-Service registration for a class through www.maricopa.edu/students will end at 11:59 PM on the day before the class starts. Registration for a class on the date it starts must be done in person or on the phone, and must be completed before the class start time.
2. For classes without published meeting times (for example, online classes, special projects), registration in the class must be completed by 11:59 PM on the day before the class starts.
3. Exceptions
   • Exceptions are limited to
     
     1. Courses requiring permission of instructor
     2. Courses requiring auditions or try-outs
     3. Courses for Special Populations or Cohorts
     4. Enrollment in an alternative section of a course taught by the same instructor
     5. Enrollment in an alternative section of a course taught by a different instructor
     6. Course level changes
     7. Students dropped for non-payment during the 100% refund period may be reinstated if they attended since the first class meeting.
     8. Students dropped due to Human or system errors may be reinstated if they attended the first class meeting.
     9. Other exceptions may be granted after faculty consultation with the student.
   • Exceptions to class registration deadlines require permission of appropriate instructor(s) and approval of the appropriate department/division chair or designee.

Tuition and fees are public monies within the jurisdiction and responsibility of the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board under the laws and regulations of the State of Arizona and must be administered by the Governing Board. The Governing Board reserves the right to change tuition and fee charges when necessary without notice. All students are classified for tuition purposes under one of the following residency classifications:

1. Maricopa County resident
2. Out-of-County resident
3. Out-of-State resident (including F-1 non-immigrant students)

Residency for tuition purposes is determined in accordance with state law (ARS §§15-1801 et seq.) and regulations of the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board. All of the Maricopa Community Colleges are subject to the above statutes and regulations. Students who have questions about their residency should contact the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services for clarification.

Students attending more than one Maricopa Community College will be assessed tuition and fees for their enrollment at each of the Maricopa Community colleges/centers. (Students who are considered to be out-of-state residents for tuition and fees purposes should refer to Appendix S-3, Concurrent Enrollment in Arizona Public Institutions of Higher Education.)

With Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board approval, colleges may assess course fees to offset unique course costs that exceed the expenses of normal instruction that are covered by tuition. These fees are used on course-specific expenses that directly benefit the fee-paying student, such as equipment, consumables, and services. Fees vary by course and by discipline. Course fees are subject to change. Because course fees are often fully expended on materials before a class starts, they will be refunded only if the student qualifies for a 100% refund. Refer to A.R. 2.2.10 (Refund Policy).

1. Time of Payment 
   All tuition, fees, assessments and deposits must be paid at the time of registration or by the specified deadline date and in accordance with the tuition and fee schedule approved by the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board.
2. Tuition and Fees Schedule 
   Current information can be found at https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/appendices/students/s-4.
    
   The following is a tuition and fees schedule and is provided for reference. These tuition and fees are subject to change. Consult the college's Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services for course fees in effect during the semester/term in which you intend to register. See Appendix S-4
3. Outstanding Debts 
   Any debt or returned check may revoke a student's current enrollment and the student's right to register in subsequent semesters at all Maricopa Community Colleges. Delinquent debts may require penalties, late charges, collection costs, and/or legal fees to be paid before good standing is restored to the student.
    
   ​The following procedure will be used for the collection of returned checks and other outstanding debts:
   
   1. The designated college official or fiscal officer is responsible for:
      
      1. Verifying the student's district wide debt,
      2. Attempting to notify the student of the debt and
      3. Attempting to collect the debt.
   2. Maricopa Community College services may be withheld pending payment of debt (at designated college office) with cash, certified check or money order or online with debit or credit card or in person with credit card. Student may be withdrawn from classes.
   3. If other collection attempts fail, the Maricopa Community Colleges District Office will either collect or use other means available, including:
      
      1. Collection agency, requiring payment of collection fees by the student;
      2. The Tax Refund Setoff Programs as stated in ARS §42-1122;
      3. Litigation, requiring payment of court costs and legal fees by the student.
   4. Debt Holds may be lifted only in limited instances by the appropriate College or District business services designee for the extension of services provided that at least one of the following conditions are met:
      
      1. MCCCD staff verify that full payment has been made to another College;
      2. The College can deduct payment from a financial aid award made to the student (referring to student authorization guidelines for regulations on applying federal financial aid to debt balances);
      3. A third party not related to the student, such as an employer or state agency, makes a verified payment directly to the College;
      4. It is determined and verified with the appropriate MCCCD office that the hold resulted from a system error and the error is due to an activity that requires correction by the appropriate College or District personnel.
   5. Admission Criteria to Attend a College within the Maricopa Community College District (MCCCD) is determined in accordance with state law (ARS §§15-1805.01 AND 15-1821) and regulations of the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board and the Chancellor. As such, participants enrolled in courses as part of third party agreements are also subject to the same admissions criteria. This includes the participants resolving any current enrollment or administrative holds that are unrelated to the Third party in an existing student account, but that otherwise impact his/her eligibility to enroll in courses or participate in programs delivered by MCCCD faculty or staff.
4. Discounted Fees and Waivers
   
   1. Citizens 62 years of age and older shall be issued ID cards that allow them the privilege of attending events at no cost and that allow them to use the library facilities.
   2. Employees, Dependents and Mandated Groups 
      The Maricopa Community College District waives tuition for credit-hour courses for employees and their dependents, and tuition and fees as specified for legislatively mandated groups. Special, registration, course fees and fees for Non-credit/Special Interest Community Services courses are not waived.
   3. Tuition and Registration Fee Waiver for Members of the Pima-Maricopa Indian Community 
      Tuition and fee waivers shall be funded through Auxiliary Fund Monies for college credit courses for the enrolled members of the Pima-Maricopa community who live on the Pima-Maricopa Reservation.
5. All other guidelines and procedures established for the purpose of administering waivers, affidavits and exemptions are outlined in the Maricopa County Community College District tuition waiver manual.

1. Refund Policy for Credit/Clock Classes 
   Students who officially withdraw from credit/clock classes (in fall, spring, or summer) within the withdrawal deadlines listed below will receive a 100% refund for tuition, course and registration fees. Students should refer to the Student Information System (SIS) center for specific refund dates. Deadlines that fall on a weekend or a college holiday will advance to the next college workday except for classes fewer than 10 calendar days in length or as specified by the college. Calendar days include weekdays and weekends. Refer to individual colleges for withdrawal and refund processes. Never attending is not an allowable refund exemption or an excuse of the debt incurred through registration.

   CREDIT AND CLOCK CLASSES Length of Class	Official Withdrawal Deadlines for 100% Refund
   1-9 calendar days	Prior to the class start date
   10-19 calendar days	1 calendar day including the class start date
   20-29 calendar days	2 calendar days including the class start date
   30-39 calendar days	3 calendar days including the class start date
   40-49 calendar days	4 calendar days including the class start date
   50-59 calendar days	5 calendar days including the class start date
   60-69 calendar days	6 calendar days including the class start date
   70+ calendar days	7 calendar days including the class start date

    
   Because course fees are often fully expended on materials before a class starts, they will be refunded only if the student qualifies for a 100% refund. Debts owed to any of the Maricopa Community Colleges must be satisfied before any refunds are paid to the student. Refunds for students receiving federal financial assistance are subject to federal guidelines. Appeals to the refund policy, including course fees outside of the 100% refund period, must be filed at the Maricopa Community College where the student attended the class within one year from the semester in which the class was taken.

2. Refund Policy for Non-Credit Classes 
   Unless otherwise specified, students who officially withdraw from non-credit classes prior to the class start date are eligible for a 100% refund, including any course fees. Debts owed to any of the Maricopa Community Colleges must be satisfied before any refunds are paid to the student. appeals to the refund policy, including course fees outside of the 100% refund period, must be filed at the Maricopa Community College where the student attended the class within one year from the semester in which the class was taken.
3. Canceled Classes 
   When a class is canceled by the college, a 100% refund will be made for tuition, course fees, and registration fees.
4. Refund Appeals 
   Students withdrawing from a college or from classes for one of the following reasons must submit an appeal for a refund to the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services or designated college official at the college of enrollment within one year from the semester in which the class was taken:
   
   1. A student with a serious illness, verifiable by a doctor's written statement that the illness prevents the student from attending all classes for the semester. The doctor's statement must be on file with the college before a refund can be given.
   2. Serious illness or death of an immediate family member that prevents the student from attending all classes for the semester. Immediate family members include spouse/partner, father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, child, foster child, grandchild, stepchild, sibling, stepsibling, stepfather, stepmother, or spouse’s/partner’s father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, or in-laws in any one incident. Appropriate documentation must be provided before a refund can be given.
   3. Death of a student. Appropriate documentation must be provided before a refund can be given.
   4. A student in the Armed Forces or the Arizona National Guard who is called to active duty and assigned to a duty station, verifiable by a copy of the orders, will be allowed to withdraw and receive a 100% refund of tuition, provided classes have not been completed.
5. Requests for a total withdrawal from a college or classes for one of the above reasons may result in a partial prorated refund of tuition, provided classes have not been completed. All decisions made by the college are final.
   
   Limitation: Never attending is not an allowable refund exception or an excuse of the debt incurred through registration.

6. Refund Policy for Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Funds
   Students who receive tuition assistance (TA) funds for a class or classes from the Department of Defense (DOD) may have a refund processed and returned to the student’s DOD branch of service in the following situations. Refer to individual colleges for withdrawal and refund processes.

   A. Per Refund Appeals D, a student who is called to active duty and assigned to a duty station, verifiable by a copy of the orders, will be allowed to withdraw, provided classes have not been completed. A 100% refund of TA funds will be issued to the student’s DOD branch of service.

   B. A student who withdraws for reasons other than those outlined above within the first 60% of the period for which funds were received will have the proportional amount of unearned TA funds returned to the student’s DOD branch of service. Refer to individual colleges and DOD branch of service for potential student financial responsibility as a result of withdrawal.

Requests for refund should be referred directly to the College of Enrollment.

The Maricopa Community Colleges provide students financial assistance to enable access to higher education. Student financial assistance shall be awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need except where funds are specified for recognition of special talents and achievements. Additional procedural information on financial assistance is available in Appendix S-5.

The Maricopa County Community Colleges District does not require that students receive vaccinations prior to enrollment. Certain professional or occupational programs do require particular vaccinations for participation in those programs. More information about these programs can be found on college websites.

The Maricopa Community Colleges have developed formal agreements to facilitate the transfer of credit to other bachelor degree awarding colleges and universities. This is accomplished through the development of course and program articulation agreements. The Maricopa Community Colleges articulate with accredited private, public, and international baccalaureate granting institutions. Maricopa transfer agreements are on behalf of the District as a whole and not with individual colleges within the district. Courses taken at any of the Maricopa Community Colleges are equally transferable by institutions wishing to articulate. Students planning to transfer to a university may be required to submit official transcripts.

Articulated Transfer Programs and pathways between the Maricopa Community Colleges and other institutions [such as the MyPath2ASU™, the UA Bridge Program, 2NAU and 90/30 transfer agreements] are official, recognized programs of study that fulfill degree requirements at both institutions.  These articulated programs and pathways are designed to aid in a smooth transition for a student planning to transfer to a college or university by identifying the required, transferable, and applicable coursework for that student’s specific program of study. A complete list of MyPath2ASU™ requirements by major and catalog year is maintained on ASU’S website, at Transfer. 

ARIZONA PUBLIC COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Maricopa is a participant in the Arizona statewide transfer system. AZTRANSFER.COM is the official source of information for the statewide articulation agreements between the Arizona public community colleges and universities (Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and University of Arizona). Included on AZTRANSFER.COM is the Course Equivalency Guide (CEG), which shows transfer course equivalencies between Arizona’s public community colleges and tribal institutions to Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona. The transferability of a course does not indicate directly how the course will apply to meet requirements for specific programs of study. AZ Transfer Course Equivalency Guide 

TRANSFER CREDIT DISCLAIMER

There may be limitations on the transfer of credit (e.g. age of the credit, remedial courses, credit earned through prior learning assessment). Students are encouraged to work with their intended transfer institution to maximize the acceptability and application of credits towards specific university requirements.
 

(U.S.) AND INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

The Maricopa Community Colleges have transfer agreements with accredited U.S. universities and colleges as well as international institutions that have been approved by the Ministry of Education. These partnerships are formalized through District-wide memorandums of understanding and articulation agreements, and are designed to help students maximize the applicability of transfer credit at the transfer institution. To access a list of institutions with which Maricopa has established articulation agreements, visit: Maricopa University Partner List 

TIME LIMIT FOR TRANSFER COURSEWORK

Students should be aware other colleges and universities may have age of credit limits on certain coursework to be used in transfer. Students should refer to the policy of their intended transfer institution regarding time limits for transfer coursework.

SHARED UNIQUE NUMBERING (SUN) SYSTEM COURSE INFORMATION         

 Senate bill 1186, which passed into law in 2010, mandated the creation of a shared numbering system for public college and university courses in Arizona to identify courses that transfer from community colleges to universities toward a baccalaureate degree. The Shared Unique Number (SUN) system is a college course numbering system designed to help students locate and enroll in courses that have direct equivalents for transfer among Arizona’s public community colleges and three state universities. However, even if a course at the Maricopa Community Colleges is not designated as a SUN course, it may still transfer to other Arizona public institutions with a direct equivalent as per the course equivalency guide on AZTRANSFER.COM. The SUN system does not address the applicability of courses. Students are encouraged to work with an Academic Advisor on course selections. To access a list of SUN courses, visit SUN