
Scottsdale Community College (SCC) opened in 1969 and is part of the Maricopa County Community College District. Its campus sits on land of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, a relationship that remains central to the college's identity.
SCC developed as a public community college serving students pursuing transfer coursework, career training and continuing education. That broad purpose still shapes its mix of associate degrees, certificates and classes for students who do not intend to complete a credential.
Scottsdale Community College organizes its teaching around academic disciplines and programs rather than separate undergraduate colleges. Students can pursue associate degrees and certificates in areas ranging from business and the arts to health-related fields, computing and other technical subjects.
Its programs include general education and university-transfer pathways alongside career-focused study such as culinary arts, film and theater, interior design and information technology. Credentials and course requirements differ by program. A student planning to transfer should distinguish an associate degree designed around university requirements from a certificate designed primarily for occupational skills.
SCC is a two-year college, so students seeking a bachelor's degree ordinarily plan a later transfer. The relevant program map and the receiving university's requirements matter more than a program's broad subject label when choosing courses.
Scottsdale Community College is at 9000 East Chaparral Road in Scottsdale, Arizona, on land of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. It is one campus within the Phoenix metropolitan area's Maricopa community college system.
The setting is suburban, and students should consider how they will travel to classes, work placements and other appointments. Valley Metro transit may be an option depending on the route and schedule; driving times depend heavily on traffic and the student's starting point. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the principal nearby airport for students traveling from farther away.
Scottsdale Community College states an educational purpose centered on learning, student success and service to its communities. As a public community college, it offers both pathways toward further study and instruction intended to meet workforce and lifelong-learning needs.
Prospective students can see that purpose reflected in the choice between transfer-oriented and career-oriented programs. A mission statement describes institutional priorities, however; it does not establish that a particular course, credential or support service will meet every student's goals.
Name of the institution
Scottsdale Community CollegeLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
Rural: FringeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, not primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
5,000 - 9,999School type
Two-year collegeMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1969Scottsdale Community College is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degreeData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.