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Paradise Valley Community College

Phoenix, AZ·Public·4,076 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here; freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 4,076 students.

N/A
Accept
4,076
Students
$13,478
Net Price
20%
Grad Rate
$40,500
Earnings
10 yr
$4,500
Debt

About This School

Paradise Valley Community College is a public institution located in Phoenix, Arizona with approximately 4,076 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $13,478 per year. The graduation rate is 20%, and the typical graduate earns $40,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is a public community college in Phoenix, Arizona. A branch campus, PVCC at Black Mountain, opened in 1985, with classes temporarily held at Paradise Valley High School. Once construction was completed in 1987, classes were held at its current location in what was then the far northern section of Scottsdale, Arizona, to serve this rapidly growing area. It provides greater access for the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the median debt at graduation is a remarkably low $4,500, and the cost is manageable, making this a financially sensible choice for students who plan to transfer or complete a certificate program. However, only 20% of students graduate, and just 65% of freshmen return after their first year — those are real warning signs worth discussing before enrolling. Worth considering if you have a clear, short-term goal and a solid plan to stay on track, but students who need strong structure and support to finish a degree may want to weigh their options carefully.

Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Health Professions29%
Business & Marketing19%
Visual & Performing Arts17%
Education2%
Computer Science2%
Physical Sciences2%
Psychology2%
Social Sciences1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$2,358
Out-of-State Tuition
$8,958
Avg Net Price
$13,478
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants19%
Median debt at graduation$4,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
20%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
65%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$4,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$4,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 9.0x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White50%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino32%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,076 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Paradise Valley Community College

18401 N 32nd St

Phoenix, AZ 85032

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Arizona

Browse all Arizona schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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