Pop Quiz: How Many Students Are Eligible for State Universities?

You may know the requirements, now take a guess at how many high schoolers met the mark.

The percent of Arizona high school graduates eligible for state universities remained essentially unchanged from the last study conducted in 2009, reports the Arizona Board of Regents.

Currently, resident freshmen admission for Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona requires at least a 2.5 grade-point average and completion of 16 required competency courses with no more than two deficiencies. Deficiencies cannot both be in math and science.

While 47 percent of high school graduates were eligible overall, female students had a significantly higher eligibility rate. Female completion rates were 53 percent, while male completion rates were 39 percent. These findings from ABOR reflect differences seen at all levels of education in Arizona and nationally.

So what is being done to help increase eligibility rates? The board is currently undertaking a review of required college-preparation courses. In addition, ABOR approved some career and technical education courses as a substitute for fine-arts credits for guaranteed university admission. Results and recommendations from the review are expected to be shared in June of 2016.

Why is it so important for students to continue their education? Learn how many jobs will require postsecondary education in just a few short years.