Arizona education leaders set a goal in 2016 for 70% of high school graduates to pursue further schooling by 2030, but new data shows the state moving in the opposite direction. Only about half of graduates continue their education within a year, a decline seen across most counties and demographic groups.
The decrease places Arizona well below the national average and raises concerns about the state’s future workforce. With most upcoming jobs expected to require training beyond high school, researchers warn that lower enrollment could limit students’ economic opportunities and hinder long‑term growth.
Molly Bohannon, Higher Education Reporter for the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the state’s declining college‑going rates.
