The West Valley of Maricopa County offers a comprehensive array of education opportunities. This area of the valley has the greatest concentration of higher education institutions in the county.

Arizona State University’s West campus

Arizona State University’s West campus is a vital component of ASU’s multi-campus vision and New American University. The campus offers its nearly 8,000 students an intimate college atmosphere and open setting on a conveniently located, full-service campus. Students and faculty alike enjoy all the resources necessary to develop academic excellence and engagement in the larger community.

ASU’s West campus is located in the heart of northwest Phoenix and is home to four nationally recognized colleges: College of Teacher Education and Leadership, New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, School of Global Management and Leadership, and College of Human Services. Currently offering more than 40 degrees in undergraduate and graduate programs, the West campus is expected to grow to 47 baccalaureate and 30 master’s degrees within the next 10 years while serving an enrollment of 15,000.

Faculty-student research partnerships address current and emerging societal issues of importance. With a deep understanding of community economic development issues, social justice, and emerging global change, students and alumni serve society in local, regional, national and international capacities.

Northern Arizona University – Extended Campuses

Northern Arizona University – Extended Campuses serves over 5500 students in the Valley by providing a variety of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in convenient formats designed for working adults and community college transfer students. NAU has student service staff on each Maricopa Community College campus, in addition to its North Valley site located on I-17 and Greenway. The partnership between NAU and the Maricopa Community Colleges is called the “Connection.” Students can earn both their associate’s and bachelor’s degrees while staying on their local community college campus. Undergraduate partnership programs include: Administration of Justice, Business Administration, Elementary Education, Emergency Services Administration, Hotel Restaurant Management, Interior Design and Speech Communication. By joining faculty and staff committed to the student’s academic success, we have created a learning environment to help students achieve their highest personal and professional goals. More information about the Connection can be found at the following website – maricopa.edu/connection.

NAU offers a variety of graduate degrees in the valley including: Administration, Community Counseling, Educational Leadership, Elementary Education with Certification, Human Relations and School Counseling. Classes are scheduled in convenient formats for working adults who want to earn a quality education from a competitive university, but at an affordable price.  For a complete listing of programs and services available to you, please contact us at (602) 728-9512 or go to extended.nau.edu.

Midwestern University

Midwestern University has a proud and impressive history. Founded in 1900 as the American College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery by J. Martin Littlejohn, Ph.D., D.O., M.D. (1865-1947), the organization was incorporated in Chicago, Illinois, to train physicians in a not-for-profit environment.

Dr. Littlejohn hired talented faculty that enabled the College to establish a reputation as a leader in medical education, research, and clinical practice. The early faculty mentored their students in the art and science of osteopathic medicine while teaching surgery, principles and practices of osteopathy, anatomy, and basic science. The growth of our osteopathic college is intertwined with that of the osteopathic medical profession itself. Ever since 1874 when a country doctor, Andrew Taylor Still, announced his new theory of osteopathy and began the first college in 1892, the profession has grown in reputation and acceptance around the country and many international settings. The Glendale, Arizona, campus was founded in 1995 when the Board of Trustees approved the purchase of land and the building of this new campus. The Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine began in 1995, the College of Health Sciences in 1996, and the College of Pharmacy–Glendale in 1998. The campus has seen rapid growth in the number of buildings, academic programs, faculty, staff, and students. Today, the Glendale campus, located on 135 acres, has buildings that provide for academic classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, student housing, and an on-campus osteopathic clinic.

Midwestern University has developed strong partnerships with health care providers and facilities around the country to aid in the education of students in all of its academic programs. The history of the institution is reflected in the many alumni who have successful careers and a deep affection for their college and University. The Administration and the Board of Trustees are dedicated to fulfilling our mission of excellence and service. As we enter our second century, we remain committed to our tradition of providing quality health care education. We are tomorrow's health care team...learning together today.

Glendale Community College

Glendale Community College has played a significant role in the development of our surrounding communities since our dedication in 1965. Last year, more than 32,000 students enrolled in a wide variety of degree and certificate programs on their way to achieving personal goals that are as diverse as the people we serve. From learning more on a particular subject to earning a degree or certificate to preparing for a new career or transfer to a university, GCC students are hard at work, making life happen.

With our main and North campus locations, class and programs offered throughout the West valley, an exceptional faculty and helpful student services, we stand ready to provide each student with the knowledge, skills and support they will need to succeed in the classroom and the world beyond it.

Estrella Mountain Community College

and Maricopa Skill Center

Estrella Mountain Community College is a nationally recognized leader within the Maricopa Community College District. Offering courses since 1990, the college opened its Avondale campus in 1992.

Providing educational opportunities and workforce training for western metropolitan Phoenix, Estrella Mountain serves a burgeoning population of over 285,000 residents. Located in the fastest growing region of the county, the college’s service area population is expected to grow to more than 1.6 million people by 2030.

The Maricopa Skill Center: The Maricopa Skill Center has served over 86,000 students since opening its doors more than forty years ago. Since 1962 both full- and part-time students have benefited from MSC's dedication to excellence in teaching, apprenticeship, and service. Within this unique educational institution, you will find students practicing their trades under the watchful attention of their instructors.

MSC Village Shops offer an eclectic menu of services to the public -- printing services at the local student press and manicures, makeovers and hairstyling at the student run salon. Tasty eats are provided by Culinary Arts students. MSC’s deli provides low-cost, meats and cheeses as a service of the Meat Cutting program. Auto Body students wait to detail your vehicle for a very nominal fee. MSC’s relatively small size permits individual attention, which may account for the success of alumni.This building is a state of the art educational facility with fully equipped computer labs available for student use.

Grand Canyon University

Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University is a premier, private, accredited, Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. The University offers online and campus-based Bachelor's and Master's degree programs through the Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and College of Humanities and Social Sciences and supports both traditional undergraduate students as well as the working professional.

Students enjoy Phoenix’s 300 days of annual sunshine, major league sports, culture, recreation, and of course, the incomparable Grand Canyon just four hours away. Campus students enjoy modern dormitories, an array of social activities, a state-of-the-art exercise and wellness facility, ten different NCAA sports, and opportunities to participate in community outreach programs to genuinely make a difference.

Ottawa University

For more than 140 years, Ottawa University has been providing a high quality liberal arts education in a caring, Christ-centered community of grace. Ottawa University serves traditional-age college students as well as adult learners. As one of the pioneers in adult education in the United States, OU opened its first adult campus in Kansas City in 1974. Since that time, additional campuses focusing on the needs of working adults have been established in Arizona, Wisconsin and Indiana, as well as multiple international locations.

Today, Ottawa University offers bachelor degree majors in more than 25 disciplines including math, sciences, fine arts, Religion, Education and business. A Master of Business Administration as well as Master of Arts programs in Human Resources, Professional Counseling and Education are also available at select campuses. Choose your campus here to see what degrees are offered.

Western International University

WIU was founded to meet the educational needs of the working student. Their focus is on student success - from the Enrollment, Financial Aid and Academic Advising Teams, to their Student Success Courses and flexible schedules. Classes are one night a week and sessions start every month.

Rio Salado College 

Welcome to Rio Salado, the college within everyone’s reach!®
We have the quality, advantages and value today’s college students need. As one of the Maricopa Community Colleges, we are fully-accredited and serve over 60,000 students annually. We deliver choice, access, flexibility and affordability busy people need to achieve their educational goals. Our highly supportive services are accessible 24/7, positioning Rio Salado as the college of first choice for working adults. 
 
Rio Salado provides a caring and supportive environment for its employees and students. This inclusive community, in addition to academic excellence, makes Rio Salado College the unparalleled success it is today.

West-MEC

West-MEC (Western Maricopa Education Center) is a dynamic public school district that formed a unique partnership with twelve school districts in Maricopa County. In 1990, a state law passed allowing public school districts to join together to support Career and Technical Education (CTE). The West-MEC public school district was created in 2003 to enhance CTE opportunities for students and instructors. Over 21,000 students in 39 high schools are currently enrolled in West-MEC Career and Technical Education courses.