Iowa was one of 43 states that got a grade of “F” for the affordability of higher education in a national report card called “Measuring Up 2006.”

The report released this week looked at several factors related to higher education including how well-prepared students are for college and how many eligible students enroll.

Pat Calla, president of the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, says college is becoming increasingly difficult for many American families to afford. She says tuition is going up faster than inflation, faster than even health care expenses over a 20-year basis. Calla says something must be done to reign in the price and provide more financial aid to students.

The report card is issued every two years