America's colleges becoming less affordable

The National Center for Public Policy and Higher education publishes a study every two years that grades each state bases on the performance of their private and public universities, colleges, and community colleges.

This year, in its category on education affordability, the Center lowered America's grade from two years ago, dropping them from a "D" to an "F." Only a handful of states earned higher than a "D," including California, Utah, and Minnesota. California ranked highest with a "B," but was downgraded from the "A" they received in the last study.

The measuring system used by the Center contradicts the results of other recent reports. These studies have shown that financial aid has risen with college tuitions to offset the higher overall price of higher education for families.

The Center's grades affordability in part by comparing net college costs with the average family income in each state. This measuring system indicates that college has become less affordable throughout the U.S.

Some states have seen significant jumps in college costs as a percent of family income. In New Hampshire, for instance, college costs amount to 32 percent of average family income compared to 23 percent a decade ago.

In New Jersey and Oregon, colleges cost 34 percent of family income, compared to 24 percent and 25 percent, respectively, in 1994.