As Nearly Free As Possible Act would require Arizona to pay 50% of college tuition for undergrads

Published By: KJZZ
Authors: Rocio Hernandez

When Shayna Stevens was a student at Northern Arizona University. the cost of college weighed heavily on her mind. NAU offers students a pledge program which locks in new students' tuition rate for four years after enrollment. But even with that guarantee, as a financially independent, first-generation student, Stevens said figuring out how to pay for college was stressful and she questioned whether it was worth it. 

“I already knew the answer and it remains the same today, of course the debt is worth it," she said. "But is it necessary? No, especially not in a state that requires that our higher education system be as nearly free as possible.” 
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Stevens is referencing the Arizona Constitution which states that instruction at state universities and all other state educational institutions "shall be as nearly free as possible.

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