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Recommendation Eight
Keep college affordable
Recommendation documents
 

Recommendation Eight

We Recommend...

restraining growth in college costs and prices, using available aid and resources wisely, and insisting that state governments meet their obligations for funding higher education.

Core indicators for this recommendation
  • State Appropriations to Fund Higher Education
    Most Recent Estimate
    As of 2010-2011
    $78.9 Bil
    Total public support for public higher education is $78.9 billion.
    $1.6 billion
    FY2009–FY2010
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  • Tuition, Fees and Other Costs of Attendance at Colleges and Universities
    Most Recent Estimate
    As of 2011-12
    $15,286
    The average estimated undergraduate budget for public two-year commuter students is $15,286, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other expenses.
    View details for this indicator
  • Net Price Students Pay for College
    Most Recent Estimate
    As of 2011-12
    -$810
    At public two-year institutions, the average net price students pay for tuition and fees is -$810 (after subtracting grants and federal tax benefits).
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  • Changes in Family Income Level
    Most Recent Estimate
    As of 2000 to 2010
    -16.0%
    Average family income has declined 16 percent (inflation adjusted) for low-income families.
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  • Earnings of College Graduates
    Most Recent Estimate
    As of 2009
    $34,594
    The average earnings for full-time workers ages 25 to 34 whose highest degree is a high school diploma or a GED is $34,594.
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Washington
provides scholarship recipients from 16 high schools with up to $5,000 per year for college through the Washington State Achievers program, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Colorado
provides counseling to high school students through the Denver Scholarship Foundation to help them enroll in and receive funding for college.
Indiana
The twenty-first Century Scholars Program provides academic and college-preparation assistance through high school to low-income middle school students who sign a pledge to complete high school and avoid illegal activities.

How We Assemble Our Indicators

  • The indicators are rigorous
  • The indicators are measureable on a regular basis
  • The indicators have the ability to be disaggregated
Learn about the commission’s criteria to select indicators