The affordability of higher education for students and families in each state depends primarily on tuition levels at the various kinds of institutions in the state and on the level of financial aid provided to students and their families.

	°	Public four-year colleges and universities: In Utah, the best performing state on this measure, tuition (less student financial aid) at public four-year colleges and universities requires about 17% of family income. In Vermont, on the other hand, tuition (less student financial aid) accounts for about 39% of family income-double the amount in Utah.
	°	Private four-year institutions: Tuition (less student financial aid) at Utah's private institutions requires 20% of family income. In Maine and Rhode Island, tuition (less student financial aid) at private four-year colleges and universities requires 86% of family income-the highest percentage nationwide.
	°	Community colleges: In Mississippi, tuition (less student financial aid) at community colleges requires 15% of family income. In New York, on the other hand, tuition (less student financial aid) at community colleges accounts for 35% of family income-the highest in the nation.

	°	Illinois provides financial aid to low-income students and families at 124% of the level of federal aid to low-income students and families-making Illinois the best performer on this measure. Alaska and South Dakota provide no state financial aid targeted to low-income students and families.
	°	State investment in financial aid for low-income students is fairly low for most states. Only eight states provide aid at 70% or more of the level provided in the best performing states.

°

Even in North Dakota, where students borrow the least amount, the average for all kinds of student loans is $2,923 annually. In Massachusetts, by contrast, the average loan is $4,719 annually.