Arizona Marks Increase in Postsecondary Attainment, More Progress Needed to Meet Future Workforce Demand?

Education Forward Arizona and Center for the Future of Arizona today released the latest Arizona Education Progress Meter update, showing postsecondary attainment at 50% of working-age adults. While this marks important progress toward Arizona's Achieve60AZ goal of 60% postsecondary attainment by 2030, the latest data underscore the need to continue investing in Arizona's talent pipeline to ensure more Arizonans are prepared for success in school, work, and life — and that the state has the skilled workforce needed to compete and grow. 

The data reinforce that Arizona’s education system is integral to its workforce development system. From early learning through postsecondary education and training, each stage of the education continuum contributes to developing the homegrown talent Arizona needs to fill jobs, drive innovation and sustain economic growth. As Arizona's economy continues to grow, expanding opportunities for more residents to earn the education, training, and credentials needed for high-skill, high-wage careers will be critical to the state's long-term competitiveness and prosperity. 

Reaching the state’s progress meter goals is not simply an education objective — it is an economic imperative tied to workforce readiness, business competitiveness, and long-term prosperity. As Arizona continues to attract new industries and experience populations and economic growth, demand for workers with education and training beyond high school continues to rise. While talent attraction will remain important to Arizona’s success, strengthening the state’s homegrown talent pipeline is one of the most sustainable ways to meet workforce demand and expand opportunity and economic prosperity for all Arizonans. 

Research conducted in partnership with Helios Education Foundation has shown Arizona stands to gain billions in economic impact by strengthening its talent pipeline and increasing postsecondary attainment. The findings reinforce the connection between education outcomes, workforce readiness, and economic competitiveness. 

Additional research by CFA and Rounds Consulting Group found that expansion of dual enrollment and progress toward the state's postsecondary attainment goal can generate significant returns for Arizona's economy, creating benefits for students, employers, communities, and the state as a whole. 

“Arizona’s future depends on whether we are willing to first have a serious, honest, politics-free conversation about the stark facts this data shows us and then act by investing in the full education pipeline, from early learning through postsecondary education and training,” said Rich Nickel, President and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. 

Key findings from the 2026 Arizona Education Progress Meter Update include: 

• Early learning access remains limited. Access to high-quality early learning settings stands at 31% statewide, down from 32% last year. Many Arizona families continue to face challenges accessing affordable, high-quality early learning opportunities, which can affect workforce participation and opportunities for additional education and training.
  
  
• Postsecondary attainment reached a significant milestone. The attainment rate increased to 50%, up one percentage point from the previous year. This represents approximately 30,000 additional degrees, certificates, and licenses earned by Arizonans and marks modest progress toward the state's Achieve60AZ goal.
  
  
• Enrollment after high school continues to recover. Enrollment in education and training after high school stands at 50%, following several years of gradual recovery from a low of 47% in 2020. Additional progress will be needed to reach Achieve60AZ's goal of 60% postsecondary attainment by 2030. 

"Arizona’s future workforce is sitting in today’s classrooms, training programs, and colleges,” said Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President & CEO of Center for the Future of Arizona. “Arizona's ability to fill the jobs of tomorrow depends on how well we support success at every stage of the education journey. The Progress Meter helps us understand where progress is occurring, where challenges remain, and where we must focus our efforts to create greater opportunity for Arizonans and strengthen our state's future." 

Explore the updated Arizona Education Progress Meter at https://educationforwardarizona.org/progress/