Postsecondary Education:  The Pathway To Success In The 21st Century

Arizona’s education system is an interconnected continuum that spans Early Learning, K-12 and Postsecondary education. Each stage is critically important, laying the foundation for the next and contributing to long-term student success. The better the continuum is aligned with respect to curriculum, standards and support for successful student transitions, the more likely we are to have graduates who are prepared to succeed in college, career and life.

Did You Know?

• Two-thirds of the jobs of the future will require a college degree or other advanced training
• Among industrialized countries, America ranks 15th in college completion
• Arizona is ranked 43rd in the nation for high school students who go directly to college
• Less than half of Arizona's public high school graduates qualify for enrollment in our public universities

Postsecondary education is the final stage of the education continuum,often continuing throughout the course of an individual's life. Whether a student chooses a four-year university, two-year community college or a career and technical education program, postsecondary degree completion provides more job opportunities for students and greater economic prosperity for our state. 

More than 500,000 students attend the state’s 112 colleges and universities.   A student’s success in postsecondary education is dependent on how well they have been prepared in the K-12 system.  Arizona students are required to pass the Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards test to graduate from high school.  Although Arizona universities and colleges currently do not require such testing, many postsecondary institutions across the nation require students to take the ACT or SAT exams as part of the entrance process. 

The Arizona Board of Regents provides leadership to the three state universities in Arizona. The Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education provides tools for accessing a college education including college admission and financial aid.   The Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education licenses and regulates private postsecondary education institutions operating vocational and degree programs. In addition, the Community College Council allows the colleges to coordinate more effectively and help increase the number of baccalaureate degrees earned in our state.  

Taxpayer dollars, student tuition and private donations fund postsecondary education. In addition, federal dollars are available for individual student tuition based on financial need and academic merit. 

By joining the Expect More Arizona movement, you can stay informed about what is happening in postsecondary education in Arizona. You will also be provided with information and opportunities to strengthen education in our state. Join the movement>>