Finally, the extent to which students in the state rely on loans is also considered in the state perform-ance for affordability. For instance, if a state has average tuition levels compared to the rest of the country, but the state s popula-tion is generally poorer, even moderate levels of tuition may pose a problem in providing an affordable education for residents of that state, even when all forms of financial aid are included. In assessing participation in college, some states monitor how many high school graduates in a given year enroll in college the following fall. Measuring Up 2000, however, looks at ninth graders and whether or not they are enrolled in college four years later. This measure was chosen because it provides a broader pic-ture of college participation of the young population of each state.
Many students enroll part-time or have good reasons for taking longer to earn a bachelor s degree.
This measure is fair when comparing bachelor s degree completion for these students across the states. Some argue that colleges and universities can and should be doing a better job for these students. A clearer picture of the completion category would result if these measures were added. Only if these measures have resulted in improved performance. Measuring Up 2000 evaluates and com-pares results, not particular policies or effort.