On Dec. 2, the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education released Measuring Up: The National Report Card on Higher Education. We support the publication. Indeed, it is the only nationwide report card for higher education, and provides us with a way to compare Indiana's progress in key areas to that in other states. This report indicates that Indiana has made some progress over the last two years, particularly in Participation and Completion, as more of our students are going to college than ever and graduating. However, much attention is being paid to Indiana's "F" grade in Affordability.

It is important to note that 49 states received an "F" in Affordability this year. While some may take issue with so many states receiving a failing grade, we believe this draws attention to an issue that the Commission is very concerned about: the rising cost of college.

Due to rising college costs, we are seeing more students working and increasing their reliance on loans and credit cards to finance their education. A recent study indicates that 80% of undergraduates work while enrolled in college at an average rate of 30 hours per week. In addition, nearly two-thirds of students attending public four-year colleges financed a part of their education through loans in 2004, compared to less than onehalf of students in 1993. Also, approximately 56% of dependent undergraduates owned at least one credit card, with one in four using credit cards to pay for college tuition.

Although the cost of college impacts all students and their families, it is especially challenging for low-income students. In 2004, students from the lowest family income quartile enrolled in college at half the rate of students from the highest income quartile. Even more disturbing are estimates indicating that only 12% of those college students from the bottom family income quartile will attain a Bachelor's degree by age 24, compared to 72% of college students from the highest income quartile.

The Commission's recently adopted plan, Reaching Higher: Strategic Initiatives for Higher Education in Indiana, proposes several initiatives that we think will help lower the cost of a college education for students. First, the 21st Century Scholars program has recently been expanded to provide eligible students in all middle-school grades with the opportunity to sign up. This program can provide a college education at an extremely reduced price to low-income students. We also support the Governor's proposal for the Hoosier College Promise, which can cover the full cost of attending Ivy Tech Community College, and significantly lower the outof pocket cost for students attending a four-year institution.

The Commission also proposes expanding the eligibility for financial aid to more middle-income Hoosiers, who are often not eligible for other needbased financial aid. In addition, Learn More Indiana is leading a statewide effort to make sure Hoosiers don't miss out on money for college by failing to meet the March 10 FAFSA deadline for financial aid.

Our colleges and universities must do all they can to realize efficiencies, control costs, and realign institutional resources to support underrepresented students. In spite of the difficult economic environment, the state must maintain its funding for public higher education.

When it comes to affordable college education, we can't afford to fail.

Stan Jones is the Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education.