Higher education affordability for Boston students

While many of Boston's students are academically prepared for college, a significant number lack the financial resources needed to attend. According to Measuring Up 2006, Massachusetts rated among the highest in the nation in preparing high school students for college.

However, the same study gave Massachusetts an "F" on higher education affordability. The study reveals that if a student from a low- or middle-income family attends community college in Massachusetts, about 38% of the family's annual income would be spent on net college costs. If the same student were to attend a public 4-year college in the state, slightly more than half of the family's annual income would go to college costs.

Meanwhile, college costs continue to rise. The College Board reports that nationwide, the net cost of a four-year degree--after accounting for financial aid--has increased 29% since 1995. The maximum Pell Grant, a need-based government grant for low-income students, covered only 36% of the price of attendance at a public four-year institution in 2004-05, down from 42 percent in 2001-02. In 1979-80, the Pell Grant, which is the largest source of aid for low-income students, covered 77% of attendance at a public four-year institution.

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