A pair of private colleges have signed deals to open new campuses in Goodyear, Ariz. The fast-growing community in suburban Phoenix took the unusual step last year of promoting itself to hundreds of institutions across the country as an ideal site to establish a four-year college or branch campus.

The Arizona Republic reports that Franklin Pierce College, in New Hampshire, has signed a letter of intent with the Goodyear city council. Under the agreement, the city could lease to the college 20 acres near the future city center for a nominal fee and a term of up to 30 years. Ten other acres nearby would be held in reserve for expansion. As part of the deal, Franklin Pierce would offer a 15-percent tuition discount for Goodyear residents and employees.

The University of the Incarnate Word, in Texas, reached a similar agreement with Goodyear in April, the newspaper reports. —Karin Fischer