Arizona ranked 9th in college affordability- but is it reasonably priced?

A recent study by Move.org ranked Arizona as the 9th most affordable state to attend college.

Their research attributed data from the U.S. Department of Education, finding Arizona to be one of only ten states where the average in-state tuition is under $10,000.

The study also claims Arizona’s out-of-state tuition is still relatively affordable compared to other states around the nation.

However, what is the definition of affordable?

Some Arizona Western College ( AWC ) students told News 11, the cost of tuition is too expensive and that they wouldn’t be able to afford school without financial aid.

While other AWC students said they can afford a community college education in Arizona, but are less likely able to pay out-of-pocket to attend a university.

Lauren Scott is a student-athlete at AWC from Indiana, she said she’s grateful for her scholarship because out-of-state tuition is expensive.

“[Out-of-state tuition] is about $8,000 or $9,000. But if I was probably from [Arizona] I probably could afford it just with the financial aid,” Scott said.

Miguel Rodriguez, an AWC student from San Luis, AZ, said, ” I think [ AWC ] is very affordable. Even I know personally some students that don’t have financial aid and are still able to go here without those types of funds. It’s a lot more affordable than going to university. ”

Vera Asare , a student-athlete from Ghana attending AWC on a soccer scholarship said she wouldn’t be able to afford tuition at AWC without her scholarship.

States like Wyoming, New Mexico, and North Dakota were listed as the top three most affordable states to attend college according to Move.org’s research.

Rhode Island, Vermont, and Massachusetts were the three most expensive.

An AWC professor said even though Arizona’s college tuition may be more affordable than other states in the country, he still believes the cost of a college education in America is overall too expensive.