The out of state tuition at U of A was less than some other out of state tuitions and about half of private universities. My younger son went there until he enlisted. It cost us about 20k for the year, including room/board/tuition. It wasn't that long ago, either. In fact, he went there, as opposed to CU, which was his first choice, because it was half the cost of CU for out of state students. So I am not sure where you are getting this information or what other schools you are comparing AZ to. The in state tuition there is ridiculously low; I went to ASU and even though it was a long time ago, there has always been really cheap in state tuition there; it should be more equitable.
That article about CA is little distressing. Same son is now living in San Diego and his wife wants to stay there. She is in school there at a community college and will be transferring. He would be looking to finish at UCSD or SDSU when he is done with the military. Although they don't have to pay the tuition because of the GI bill, who wants to go to a university that strapped? It seems like everyone would just be demoralized.