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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Community college graduates in Arizona earn $9,100 more per year than people with only a high school diploma, according to a new state report.
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The shows Arizona’s community colleges added $15.2 billion to the state economy in 2024.
Ryan Moreno Si’al was born on the Tohono O’odham reservation and grew up in foster care. He said he barely graduated from high school, but decided to give community college a try.
“I was really an angry, lonely child,” Si’al said.
Si’al said he failed his first Algebra 2 exam at Pima Community College.
“I was like, oh my gosh, I don’t think I can do this,” he said.
But he said he got a B on the second test and was soon getting A’s. He is now doing differential equations.
Pima Community College Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Nasse said student success pays off for everyone.
“It makes a huge difference in a student’s life to have a credential from a community college – or any degree, really – it makes a big difference for them,” Nasse said.
With the average Arizona income at $43,000 per year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, community college graduates earn an average of $52,100 annually.
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“People that have a college credential – a college degree – yes, they make more money, and that’s wonderful, but they’re also healthier, they’re more engaged, it’s a better thing for communities,” Nasse said.
Si’al said he will be the first in his family to earn a college degree.
“My parents never did it, my grandparents never did it. But now, I’ll be the first one in my family to do that and change my family tree,” he said.
Si’al will graduate next week with his associate’s degree in engineering.
Isabela Lisco is a Report for America corpsmember covering education solutions for 13 News. Her position is made possible through funding from Report for America and the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.
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