Unfortunately,  the cost of college and other post-secondary education is a significant barrier to low- to moderate-income children.   the cost of college and other post-secondary education is a significant barrier to low- to moderate-income children.

• 2 out of 3 students from the top income quartile enroll in a four-year institution within 2 years of graduation.

• §Only 1 in 5 from lowest quartile does the same.

• §Financial barriers prevent 48% of college-qualified low-income students from attending four-year colleges (and 22% from any college at all) within a few years from high school graduation.

While financial aid and scholarships help low- to moderate-income families afford college for their children, the assistance may only cover 1/3^rd of the cost of a college education. For example, the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) pays tuition at Oklahoma's public colleges and universities, but as the table below indicates that would cover a little over 1/4^th of a cost of education at Oklahoma's research universities.

2005-2006 Estimated Costs for Full-Time Resident Undergraduate Students at Oklahoma Public Colleges and Universities