Analysis of Arizona’s Higher Education Affordability in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A recent report from the National College Attainment Network indicates that a majority of public colleges and universities in Arizona meet affordability standards. This analysis evaluates these findings through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the state’s contribution to global targets for education, equality, and economic growth. The study’s methodology, which compares attendance costs with financial aid and family contributions, positions Arizona as a leader among states in providing accessible higher education.

Alignment with SDG 4: Quality Education

The findings directly support the objectives of SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Specifically, Arizona’s performance aligns with Target 4.3: to ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.

• Key Finding: Over half of Arizona’s public higher education institutions are considered affordable.
• Assessment Criteria: Affordability was determined by comparing the total cost of attendance with the average financial resources available to students, including grants, loans, and family contributions.
• National Standing: The report concludes that Arizona’s higher education system performs better than most other states in terms of affordability, marking a significant step toward educational equity.

Broader Implications for Sustainable Development

The accessibility of higher education in Arizona has far-reaching implications for several other Sustainable Development Goals, creating a positive feedback loop that fosters comprehensive societal progress.

1. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): By lowering financial barriers, affordable education promotes social mobility and ensures that opportunities for advancement are not dictated by socioeconomic background. This directly contributes to Target 10.3, which seeks to ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome.
2. SDG 1 (No Poverty): Tertiary education is a proven pathway out of poverty. By making college accessible, Arizona empowers individuals to acquire skills for higher-paying jobs, contributing to the eradication of poverty as outlined in SDG 1.
3. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): An educated and skilled workforce is the cornerstone of a sustainable and thriving economy. Arizona’s commitment to affordable education helps build the human capital necessary to foster innovation, productivity, and achieve the goal of decent work for all.

Analysis of SDGs in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • The article’s entire focus is on the affordability of higher education, specifically “public colleges and universities” in Arizona. This directly relates to the goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. The discussion of cost is central to the accessibility of this education.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.

   • The article explicitly addresses this target by reporting on a study that evaluates the affordability of tertiary education. The finding that “More than half of Arizona’s public colleges and universities are considered affordable” is a direct assessment of progress toward this target. The article’s core subject is the “cost of attending college,” which is the central theme of Target 4.3.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Proportion of affordable public colleges and universities

   • The article provides a direct measurement: “More than half of Arizona’s public colleges and universities are considered affordable.” This percentage serves as a clear indicator of how much of the public higher education system meets a specific affordability threshold.

2. Net cost of attendance for students

   • The article implies this indicator by describing the methodology of the study it cites. The report “compared the overall cost to attend college with the average amount of loans, grants and family contributions a student receives.” This calculation of the net cost, or the actual financial burden on a student after aid, is a crucial indicator for measuring affordability.

SDGs, Targets and Indicators Summary

Source: azcentral.com