Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your future can raise a lot of questions. It also doesn’t have to be complicated. Browse through the questions below, carefully organized by category, to help you easily find exactly what you are looking for.
Admissions
How do I apply to CAC?
Students wishing to be admitted to Central Arizona College may do so by completing our online application
or by visiting any of our campuses to obtain a Admissions Application.
How do I apply if I am a new freshman?
New students should follow the steps to enrollment “Whats My Next Step”
How do I apply if I am a transfer student?
Transfer students will need to complete the Admissions Application.
Transfer students will also need to submit Official Transcripts for evaluation. Unofficial Transcripts will be accepted only for the students first semester at CAC.
How do I apply if I am a GED graduate?
GED graduates will not need to complete an Admissions Application. Students may schedule advising appointment to pursue further educational goals.
Visit Information on Advising.
What are the application steps for applying using my Veterans benefits?
Central Arizona College offers Veteran Benefits for Veterans, Dependants, Vocational Rehabilitation, Reservists, etc.
How do I contact an advisor?
Academic Advising is available through scheduling an appointment via the CAC Academic Advising Website
Prepare for your Advising Appointment:
♦Apply to CAC and obtain a Student ID number. APPLY NOW!
♦Bring an unofficial HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS if graduated or attended in the last 3 years, all college transcripts and any other tests scores to your advising appointment.
♦Review the Areas of Interest to discuss your top-choice with your Academic Advisor.
♦Complete the placement tool BEFORE first appointment: MATH and ENGLISH/READING
Types of Advising Appointments:
♦Face to Face Advising: Meet with an advisor on campus. Be sure to select the advisor who works at the campus where you wish to have the appointment.
♦Virtual Advising: Schedule an appointment with an advisor via video conferencing platform in Teams. A link to join the appointment is provided in an email after appointment is scheduled.
What is orientation?
If you are new to Central Arizona College or returning to school after being away for a time, attending a New Student Orientation (NSO) program is critical to your success! NSO an opportunity to connect with other students, faculty, and staff. Topics include using technology such as Blackboard and email, academic support resources, and faculty expectations in the classroom.
New Student Orientation is mandatory for all first-time degree-seeking students.
Register Now
For online-only students, please complete our online student orientation.
Questions? orientation@centralaz.edu
What is the Central Help Desk?
The Central Help Desk is the place to go with questions regarding CAC. As the main information desk for CAC, the Central Help Desk can help you with event information, locating a class room, resetting Online Services password, using My CAC, and much more.
The Central Help Desk can be reached a number of different ways:
- Email – centralhelpdesk@centralaz.edu
- Phone – 520-494-5111
- In Person – in the M Building at the Signal Peak Campus
How to access the Student Portal?
Login: Enter Username & Password
Username: firstname_lastname@stu.centralaz.edu
Password: Same as Student Email and Blackboard
The initial password is based on your birthdate: MMDDYYYY, 8-numbers are required
If you are unable to access your Student Portal, please contact ITHelp at 520-494-5111.
How to access Email?
Central’s Student E-mail is located at http://portal.office.com
Your Domain/User Name is your e-mail address. (firstname_lastname@stu.centralaz.edu)
Your initial password is based on your birthdate in MMDDYYYY format- 8 numbers are required.
For example, a person born September 10, 1987 would have an initial e-mail password of 09101987.
For email password reset, contact the IT Help Desk at 520-494-5111.
How to access Blackboard?
Students taking an online or hybrid class at CAC access their class through Blackboard.
Your Blackboard username is firstname_lastname@stu.centralaz.edu
Your Blackboard username is based on your legal firstname and your legal lastname exactly as written on your schedule.
Your Blackboard password is your birthdate in MMDDYYYY format – 8 numbers are required. It is very important that you change your password once you have logged into Blackboard the first time.
For password reset, contact the IT Help Desk at 520-494-5111.
I do not have a diploma or GED may I still attend?
Central Arizona College is an open admission institution; that is, students may be admitted without a high school diploma or a GED certificate. We ask that you demonstrate your level of skill in reading, writing, and mathematics by completing Placement Testing
A high school diploma or GED is required to qualify for financial aid; for this reason GED classes and Testing are available at CAC.
Paying for College
What does it cost to attend CAC?
Students are responsible for making payment arrangements of tuition and fees at the time of registration.
How do I apply for Financial Aid?
You must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal student aid.
Here are your options for applying:
In the process of filling out FAFSA form you will be asked to enter a school code, Central’s school code is 007283.
· The quickest way to apply is online using FAFSA.
· Call 1-800-4-FED-AID and request a paper application.
If you have questions please contact, the Financial Aid Department at 520-494-5425 or by email at finaid@centralaz.edu.
What scholarships are available?
Central Arizona College offers a variety of scholarship programs to recognize students for their academic performance as well as for participation in athletics and other activities.
What are CAC’s tuition and fees?
How do I pay for my classes?
Cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express, enrollment in the HigherOne/Cashnet payment plan, third-party authorization, or financial aid are forms accepted for paying for college.
What are the residency guidelines?
Residency Guidelines
Students are classified for tuition purposes under one of the
following resident classifications:
Resident, in-state
Non-resident (includes out-of-state, F-1 nonimmigrant
students and students without legal immigration status)
Residency regulations are published in their entirety under
Official Residency Guidelines.
You can find more information in the College Catalog
Academics
What majors and degrees does CAC offer?
Degrees
Associate degrees are normally earned with 60-64 college credits, including general education courses, electives and courses required for a specific college major. The recipient of an associate’s degree can then transfer the credits toward a four year, bachelor’s degree program at a university.
Certificates
A certificate is earned by a student after taking a series of courses in a particular subject. Students often earn certificates to get a step ahead in the professional field of their interest, and certificates may be offered in similar programs leading to degrees.
List of Degrees & Certificates.
What is the college catalog?
College Catalog includes everything you need to know about CAC in a convenient virtual book format.
What is the class schedule?
Finding the course you want has never been easier. Search the class schedule by course subject, class times, campus location, and more.
What are the graduation requirements?
All candidates for graduation must file an Application for Graduation with the Records Office by the deadline indicated in the Academic Calendar for that semester. Any application received after the deadline will be considered for the following cycle. Graduation cycles are May, August and December of each year.
How Do I access the Student Portal?
Login: Enter Username & Password
Username: firstname_lastname@stu.centralaz.edu
Password: Same as Student Email and Blackboard
The initial password is based on your birthdate: MMDDYYYY, 8-numbers are required
If you are unable to access your Student Portal, please contact ITHelp at 520-494-5111.
How can I request Transcripts?
To better meet the needs of Central Arizona College students, grades, transcripts, and enrollment verifications are now available online.
Access your Unofficial Transcripts
Request Enrollment Verification
Please note: Requests are not accepted by telephone or email. In compliance with federal law, records are released only with written consent of the student. No other person (including parent or spouse) may authorize the release of student records.
To have Official Transcripts evaluated by Central Arizona College,
Have your Official Transcripts mailed to:
Central Arizona College
Transcript Evaluation Office
805 S Idaho Road
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
Do I need to talk to an academic advisor?
If you can’t answer the question: “What specific classes do I need to do accomplish my goal?” whether it is a degree, certificate, or transfer then seeing an advisor is recommended.
Your academic advisor will help you define your long-term goals and discuss how you can meet them most effectively. They can help you learn about different academic programs and the career paths they are associated with. They can explain program requirements and help you learn to use the tools to track your own progress toward completion of your degree or certificate. This is just a brief list of the reasons you might want to visit with an advisor.
Please contact Advising for more information.
When I’m finished at CAC, can I transfer to a four-year institution?
Planning to transfer to a four-year institution?
If you are planning to transfer to a four-year institution after your time at CAC, seeing an Advisor and reviewing the Transfer website will help you make the transition a smooth one. Students who complete the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) will transfer a 35-38 credit block of coursework which is guaranteed to meet the universities’ lower-division general education requirements.
Students who complete an Associate of Arts, Associate of Business, or Associate of Science degree can transfer 64 credits toward the completion of a baccalaureate degree. (Some courses may not apply to your particular program. Be sure to contact the institution you are transferring to for credit transfer.)
Become familiar with the curriculum requirements
If you are planning to transfer, it is vital that you become familiar with the curriculum requirements of the university you plan to transfer to as soon as possible. It is also very important that you contact the university early and start communicating with them about your plans. You need to learn about admission to the institution and to your chosen program, paying particular attention to the admissions requirements and application deadlines. You need to understand their program requirements and you will need to determine how the courses you complete at CAC will fit in your transfer program.
Please contact Advising at 520.494.5050 or advising@centralaz.edu for more information.
Do I need to select a program during my first semester?
Many students prefer to spend some time exploring their academic options at Central before committing to a specific program of study. To make the best use of your time, choose courses that will assist you in making this decision and will be applicable in a variety of programs, such as Math and English, as well as other core courses. Please explore our Areas of Interest and use MyMajors Assessment to discover your program of study. Please keep in mind that students who receive financial aid may be required to identify a program of study in order to be eligible.
Please complete the Strong Interest Inventory Assessment to learn about your interests and abilities, which will help you decide on a career.
What if Central doesn’t offer the degree I want?
If Central does not offer the specialized program you are interested in, we can help you get started with prerequisite coursework prior to admission to your program. An Advisor can help you plan your course of study to accomplish many of the prerequisites.
Please contact Advising at 520.494.5050 or advising@centralaz.edu for assistance.
What is the purge?
The purge is the process that withdraws students from classes for non-payment. Payment is due at the time of registration. Failure to pay by the purge date will result in the loss of registration. Other financial options may be available to students, such as a financial aid, scholarship and a payment plan. Please contact our Cashier’s Office for additional information.
The Cashiers Office can reached at 520-494-5225 or 520-494-5241
Life at CAC
How do I apply to live on campus?
In order to live on campus, you must be registered in at least 6 credits (3 credits must be fully face-to-face instruction), pay a $150 room deposit, and complete the online application.
What does it cost to live on campus?
Do all CAC campuses offer residence life?
Only the Signal Peak Campus offers residence life.
What food/dining options are available on campus?
Students living on campus enjoy dining in the cafeteria seven days a week as part of the on-campus living meal plan. All residents are required to purchase the meal plan as part of the room and board fee. Students are offered an “All You Can Eat” meal cafeteria which includes “to-order” options, soup, deli station, and exhibition stations. For more information about dining on campus, visit the campus dining website.
What student clubs and organizations could I join?
Many student activities are available at each Central Arizona College campus. Student activities are sponsored by college departments, clubs and organizations, and the Student Government Association.
List of Clubs & Organizations
How safe is the CAC campus?
The Central Arizona College Police Department is a full service public law enforcement agency, established by the Pinal County Community College District Board of Governors, in and by the authority vested in them by the legislature of the State of Arizona, for the purpose of providing law enforcement, security and safety services on property owned or controlled by the College. All Campus Police Officers are fully certified as police officers by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board.
Department Mission
The Central Arizona College Police Department supports the educational mission of Central Arizona College by providing professional, community-oriented services to ensure safe and secure campuses and centers for our students, faculty, staff and visitors.
A police officer is on duty on the Signal Peak Campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you should need help with something, or have a question, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 520-836-9655.
Is transportation available to CAC campuses?
No transportation is not available to and from campuses.
Students may use the CART bus system that provides regional route services to neighboring communities only. Students must pay a one-way fee or daily and monthly fee.
For more information visit, City of Coolidge or call 520-723-7195
Can I work on campus as a student?
Yes. The Career and Student Employment Services (CSES) at Central Arizona College is a division of Student Services that are committed to assisting students and alumni in reaching their desired goals.
Find a Job/Post a Job.
Where is Central Arizona College located?
Central Arizona College is located in Pinal County, Arizona. Central has five campuses located throughout Pinal County to service the needs of the county’s diverse population. Our district offices are located at the Signal Peak Campus between the cities of Coolidge, AZ and Casa Grande, AZ.
For maps and information regarding each location, please visit a campus.
Didn’t Find What You Were Looking For?
Contact the District Office:
8470 North Overfield Road
Coolidge, AZ 85128
800.237.9814