Best community colleges in Arizona

Long gone are the days when education levels weren't inherently tied to income levels. Twenty-first-century teens as young as high school freshmen consider what colleges are available to them sooner rather than later to make a decent living in the long run.

Be it grades or money, many young adults choose the more convenient option of community college to begin their undergraduate education: 41% of all undergrads are in a two-year school, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. When it comes down to education and numbers, a community college's annual tuition and fees are significantly less than four-year schools no matter which way the data is sliced. Stacker compiled a list of the best community colleges in Arizona using rankings from Niche. These community colleges offer a great reason to consider a two-year education before moving on to a four-year school. If considering a continued education, these community colleges are a perfect place to start.

#10. South Mountain Community College (Phoenix)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $8,791

#9. Glendale Community College - Arizona (Glendale)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $9,014

#8. Mesa Community College (Mesa)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $9,797

#7. Cochise College (Sierra Vista)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $7,240

#6. Phoenix College (Phoenix)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $8,980

#5. Chandler-Gilbert Community College (Chandler)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $10,002

#4. Paradise Valley Community College (Phoenix)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $9,774

#3. Scottsdale Community College (Scottsdale)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $10,304

#2. Eastern Arizona College (Thatcher)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $6,299

#1. GateWay Community College - Phoenix (Phoenix)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $10,351