Becoming a student has never been easier. We understand that preparing for college can be overwhelming, even confusing at times.
Easy Enrollment Procedures
Step 1: Apply for Financial Aid
FAFSA/PIN MCC (school code #001077)
- Gather tax information
Under 25 years old, parent/guardian tax info required
Use IRS data retrieval tool (IRS DAT) in FAFSA - Allow 14-30 days for processing
- Set up a payment plan if necessary (payments vary depending on date)
Tribal Scholarships
- Research your Tribe for Deadlines & Requirements
- See a listing of current attending tribes at MCC
- American Indian Scholarship booklet is available in our office
Financial Need Analysis
- Ensure all needed documents are complete with financial aid before FNA is sent to your Tribe
- Check your Student Center "To Do" list
Check for any missing information or forms that need to be completed
Step 2: Apply for Admissions
Receive Your Student ID# and MEID
Complete your student declaration form
Bring your AZ ID & Certificate of Indian Blood
Request Letter of Acceptance
Step 3: Take Placement Tests
To determine your class placement you will need an ID.
Plan up to 2-3 hours for the test
Allow 12-24 hours for Student Center to update before registering for classes
Step 4: Set up and log in to your Student Center
With your Student ID# & MEID create your username and password
Access all your college information from here
Check message and To-Do list often for updates
Step 5: Setup Student Email
Your student email will contain your MEID#
Step 6: Setup Financial Aid
Direct deposit to your bank account or to a reloadable debit card is available. To receive your funds by direct deposit you will need to enroll with Nelnet by doing the following:
- Log into your Student Center
- Scroll down to the Finances section
- Click on Manage Refunds
- Follow the prompts to select your refund method and enter the required information
If you don’t sign up for direct deposit you’ll receive your financial aid refund as a paper check. Paper checks can take 10-15 days to receive once the funds have been applied to your school account.
Tuition Rates and Cost of Attendance
Tuition is set by the Maricopa County Community Colleges Governing Board.
Find out more information regarding the Cost of Attendance.
Housing and Living Expenses
It is suggested that students arrive in the Phoenix metro area with at least $500 and have access to another $1000 during their first two weeks here. This will be needed for expenses associated with organizing housing, such as security deposits and rent in advance. Connections to power, gas and telephone may also require a deposit. A co-signer may be required as well for students who have not established credit for themselves.
Students who do not have permanent housing organized should arrive a few weeks before school begins so accommodations can be found before the start of the semester. We highly suggest contacting any relatives that live here to help you get started and may be able to provide a room to rent or a place to stay for a few days while you get things worked out.
Living costs vary, depending upon your tastes, interests and finances. Students and parents should set a budget according to their individual needs, but this should be flexible enough to allow for changes.
Students with a motor vehicle should understand additional expenses such as gasoline, insurance, and registration costs. We also encourage the use of public transportation (city bus lines or light rail) that may incur a less costly expense than a car. Transportation costs obviously will vary from student to student.
Student Employment
Students studying at Mesa Community College are also able to work. Some students may qualify for Federal Work-Study and work up to 20 hours per week at an on-campus job. However, you must check that option when doing your FAFSA. Those jobs tend to be taken quickly so do your searching early or establish a network when you arrive to prepare for a possible work-study job the next semester or next year even.
Restaurants and retail outlets often have part-time jobs available, but competition for these positions is strong. Students are advised that part-time work may distract them from their studies and they should not rely on their earnings solely to pay tuition fees or other living expenses.
Supplemental Resources
Phoenix Indian Center
602-264-6768
4520 N. Central Ave. 2nd floor
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Native American Connections
602-254-3247
4520 N. Central Ave. Suite 600
Phoenix, AZ 85012
[email protected]
Housing Authority of Maricopa County
602-744-4562
710 W. 8th Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85210
Public Housing or Section 8 program
Don't Forget About Tribal Scholarships
Tribal Scholarships are available to members of 22 supported nations in Arizona. Remember to print a copy of your completed Analysis for your records.
Come In and Meet with an Advisor
Advisors can assist you in choosing the courses that fit your academic goals and help keep you on track for graduation. There are also academic advisors for specified academic programs such as nursing, dental hygiene, or some business career options. Drop-in or call ahead for an appointment: 480-461-7931
Advisors in the American Indian Center can be found in building 36N.
New Student Orientation
MCC's New Student Advising & Orientation is a fun way to learn information about campus resources, academic success, university transfer, campus life, and more all while having fun and making new friends!
Join the Inter-Tribal Student Organization
The Inter-Tribal Student Organization (ISO) is a student organization that provides an opportunity for Native American students to interact socially and develop leadership skills. Join us for weekly ISO Meetings and other events. Find out more information HERE.