Arizona

Study: Majority of community college students in Arizona don’t move onto 4-year university

Published

2 years ago

March 2, 2024

Study: Majority of community college students in Arizona don’t move onto 4-year university

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Arizona is below average in community college students transferring to a university or 4-year institution, according to a new study from Columbia University. This is further exacerbated when even fewer graduate from a university with a bachelor’s degree compared to the national average.

In what the university’s Community College Research Center calls the first state-by-state analysis on the subject, overall, “only about a third of students starting in community colleges transfer to four-year schools, and only 16% earn a bachelor’s degree within six years.”

The study tracked students from 2015 through 2021, analyzing how many first started community college, transferred to a 4-year institution, stayed enrolled at a university within their first year and completed a bachelor’s degree. The national sample size is 670,794 students.

The study also compares how transfer rates have improved or worsened since 2007, the start of the global financial crisis, which led to an increase in community college enrollment.

In Arizona, the transfer rate to a 4-year institution is about 29%, while the national average is 33%. Compared to other western states, we are 7th behind Hawaii (29%, edging out in the decimals), California (32%), Montana (33%), Colorado (33%) and Wyoming (35%). Utah and Alaska were not listed for this specific area of the report, likely due to insufficient data.

Of Arizona transfer students, the rate of those who graduate with a bachelor’s degree within six years of enrolling in community college is about 55%, third behind Hawaii (58%) and California (77%).

Other notable highlights from the report:

Overall, the transfer rates are low, but they’re even lower on average for low-income, older, male, Black and Hispanic students;
Despite low transfer rates, community college transfers are a major source of enrollment at 4-year institutions;
Most of the transfer students leave their community college without a 2-year degree before they transfer;
And that private for-profit, largely online institutions fail most of their transfer students, with 23-25% of them completing a bachelor’s degree within four years, while those enrolling at non-profit 4-year colleges and universities graduate at a rate of 44%.

The study also found that, overall, transfer rates have improved since 2007.

You can compare how Arizona fares compared to other states below.

The study also has recommendations to improve the numbers. If you want to read the study and learn more, you can go to the report’s website here.

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Arizona

Former Cardinals kicker Jay Feely switches congressional districts in Arizona race

Published

6 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

Former Cardinals kicker Jay Feely switches congressional districts in Arizona race

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely has switched his congressional campaign from the East Valley to Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, joining a crowded Republican primary in Scottsdale.

The move comes after President Donald Trump endorsed former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb in the Fifth Congressional District last month, sending Feely a message to run in a different district.

“After nearly a quarter century in professional football, I know that no player is more important than the well-being of the team,” Feely said in a statement released Friday. “In this moment, the best way I can serve our GOP team is to defend this crucial Republican seat.”

Feely joins businessman John Trobough, state lawmaker Joseph Chaplik and current Arizona Republican Party leader Gina Swoboda in the GOP primary. Swoboda has already secured Trump’s endorsement.

Political experts believe Feely’s move, following Trump’s advice, could lead to another situation where Trump endorses two candidates in the same race.

The First Congressional District seat opened when Congressman David Schweikert announced his run for governor. Republicans view the district as a must-win seat.

The winner of the Republican primary will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the general election. The district is one of two swing districts in Arizona that could determine which party controls the House.

Trump has previously endorsed multiple candidates in Arizona Republican primaries, including Rep. Andy Biggs and businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson in the governor’s race.

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Arizona

Three Arizona Standouts Against Bellarmine

Published

18 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Three Arizona Standouts Against Bellarmine

The blowout victory not only highlighted Arizona’s depth but also provided several standout individual performances that showed important signs of growth headed towards conference play. Here’s a closer look at the top three Wildcats from the game and how they powered the win.

1. Tanyuel Welch — Team Leader With a Big Night (18 Points)

Memphis’ Tanyuel Welch (11) jumps up for a rebound during the game between East Carolina University and the University of Memphis at Elma Roane Fieldhouse on Saturday, February 1, 2025. | Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Guard Tanyuel Welch led all scorers for Arizona with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting a highly efficient performance that helped set the tone early and keep the Wildcats well ahead of Bellarmine throughout. Welch also knocked down 4-of-4 free throws, showing composure at the line, and contributed six rebounds and three assists while playing 24 minutes.

Impressively, she did all of this with just one turnover and one foul, illustrating her control and decision-making in a high-tempo game. Welch’s scoring came at all levels; attacking the rim, knocking down mid-range looks, and finishing in transition and her all-around playmaking and rebounding added yet another layer to a complete offensive night.

2. Noelani Cornfield — Playmaker and Versatile Contributor

Oct 21, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Arizonaís Noelani Cornfield speaks to media during Big 12 Womenís Basketball Media Day at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Sophia Scheller-Imagn Images | Sophia Scheller-Imagn Images

Senior point guard Noelani Cornfield had another impactful outing in the win over Bellarmine. Cornfield recorded 15 points, dished out eight assists, grabbed two rebounds, and added five steals in just 25 minutes of action. Her stat line shows how she orchestrated the Wildcats’ offense while also creating havoc defensively.

Cornfield’s ability to distribute the ball was on full display as Arizona finished with 24 assists on 44 made field goals, a testament to their ball movement and unselfish play. Her high assist total helped keep the offense flowing and ensured that multiple Wildcats got open, high-percentage shots throughout the afternoon. Her defensive energy also led to easy transition opportunities, further fueling Arizona’s balanced scoring output.

3. Achol Magot — Efficient Frontcourt Scorer Off the Bench

Iowa State Cyclones’ center Audi Crooks (55) blocks the ball as Texas Tech Lady Raiders center Achol Magot (10) attempts to shoot during the first quarter in the Big-12 women’s basketball showdown at Hilton Coliseum on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. | Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Center Achol Magot delivered a career-high 10 points off the bench in just 14 minutes, going 4-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from the free-throw line. Her efficient scoring and physical presence inside helped complement Arizona’s guard play and gave the Wildcats consistent production inside the paint. Magot also contributed five rebounds and one assist while battling through foul trouble, showing a strong impact in limited minutes.

Her ability to score efficiently around the basket and contribute on the glass was an important part of Arizona’s depth, showing through. In a game where Arizona had six double-digit scorers, Magot’s contribution sealed her place as one of the night’s top performers.

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Arizona

Arizona governor’s poll shows Katie Hobbs’ chances of beating Andy Biggs

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Arizona governor’s poll shows Katie Hobbs’ chances of beating Andy Biggs

Arizona Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs leads Republican U.S. Congressman Andy Biggs by double digits in the state’s gubernatorial race, shows a new poll conducted by NextGen Polling, which identifies as “right of center.”

Newsweek reached out to Biggs’ campaign via email on Thursday for comment.

Why It Matters

As a pivotal battleground state, Arizona’s political trends can potentially foreshadow national outcomes, with shifting demographics and voter priorities influencing both parties’ strategies.

The results could possibly play a critical role in the broader national landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms.

What To Know

In the poll, Hobbs captures 51 percent of the potential vote compared to Biggs’ 32 percent, with 7 percent of respondents choosing “other” and 9 percent undecided.

The survey was taken from December 15 to December 17 among 2,725 likely voters, with a 1.9 percent margin of error, according to NextGen’s press release.

The poll also shows that Biggs has 64 percent of the Republican vote while Hobbs carries 90 percent of Democrats’ support. Sixty-two percent of independents back Hobbs while 19 percent favor Biggs.

Against Republican candidate Karrin Taylor Robson, Hobbs has 51 percent of the potential vote compared to Robson’s 30 percent.

What People Are Saying

Gregg Pekau, managing partner at NextGenP, in the poll: “This is a very telling, and honestly shocking, survey that far exceeds anything we’ve seen regarding the 2026 general election for Governor. This should be a wakeup call to Republicans that we must unify and connect with voters beyond our party to win the Governor race in 2026. The good news is that there remains significant time to engage independent voters and rebuild support within the party’s base.”

Biggs, on X earlier this month: “Under Katie Hobbs, our state has seen:

-Job growth plummet

-Energy and gas prices skyrocket

-A blatant disregard for public safety and keeping our border secure

If we want to grow and keep people here, Arizona needs a Governor with a vision, not vetoes.”

Hobbs, on X in October: “Arizona: I’m running for re-election. Your stories of hard work, hope, and determination inspire me to keep moving our state forward. I’m ready to serve you for 4 more years and always put your family first. Let’s get to work.”

What Happens Next

As both parties intensify their field efforts and campaign spending, Arizona is expected to remain at the center of national attention in the 2026 midterm cycle.

Early survey leads may shift as campaigns develop and voters gain more information. Both major parties are expected to closely monitor voter attitudes as Arizona’s political landscape continues to evolve in the run-up to the elections.