MESA, Ariz. – July 28, 2025 – Mesa Community College (MCC) and Northern Arizona University (NAU) have launched a new transfer pathway allowing students in MCC’s Beauty and Wellness program to earn a bachelor’s degree in strategic leadership from NAU at a fraction of the traditional cost—without needing to relocate.

This innovative option, called a 90/30 bachelor’s degree pathway, enables students to complete up to 90 college credits at MCC, where tuition is lower, and then complete the final 30 credits with NAU. What makes this pathway unique is that students take MCC and NAU courses concurrently, allowing them to begin their core coursework while still finishing credits at MCC. The final NAU courses—focused on leadership, business and strategic thinking—can be completed online, allowing students to stay in their communities, continue working and finish their degrees on a flexible schedule.

“This pathway is a practical, student-focused approach to higher education,” said MCC Program Director Krista Fabrick, DBA. “It makes it possible for beauty and wellness professionals to continue their education while advancing in their careers, without taking on excessive debt or having to pause their lives.”

The pathway is open to graduates and final-semester students in MCC’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Beauty and Wellness program. The associate's degree provides students with the skills, confidence, and leadership qualities needed for success in the beauty industry. Now, through NAU’s Bachelor of Science in Strategic Leadership, students can build on that foundation and prepare for leadership roles in salons, spas, retail management, education and other areas of the industry.

“NAU’s Educational Partnerships office is proud to partner with Mesa Community College to offer a streamlined, career-focused pathway for Beauty and Wellness graduates. With just 10 fully online NAU courses, students can complete a bachelor’s degree in strategic leadership in a cohort format, while working and growing together professionally. This program features a flexible schedule, personalized advising, and a curriculum focused on real-world leadership skills that prepares graduates to manage teams, support organizational goals, and foster positive workplace cultures,” said Brenda Sipe, NAU associate vice president of Workforce Development.

Highlights of the MCC–NAU bachelor’s degree pathway include:

• Affordable tuition: Complete the majority of credits at MCC before transferring to NAU. Participants in this pathway receive a 10% tuition reduction on all NAU courses, making this an even more cost-effective path to a bachelor’s degree. MCC coursework is taken concurrently, with two MCC and two NAU courses each term.
• Career advancement: Gain real-world leadership and business skills tailored to working professionals.
• Flexible learning: Take classes online while continuing to work and stay in your local community.
• Streamlined transfer: MCC students receive guidance to stay on track and transition smoothly into university-level coursework.

Visit mesacc.edu/beauty-wellness to learn more about the MCC Beauty and Wellness program. 

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu

Founded in 1899, Northern Arizona University is a community-engaged, R1 university that delivers an exceptional student-centered experience to its nearly 28,000 students in Flagstaff, at 22 statewide campuses and online. Building on a 125-year history of distinctive excellence, NAU aims to be the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond. NAU is committed to meeting talent with access and excellence through its impactful academic programs and enriching experiences, paving the way to a better future for the diverse students it serves and the communities they represent. 

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.