Once upon a time, going to college was within reach and a reality for many lower and middle-class students. However, after a few decades, college has become just a dream for many prospective students, a dream that is no longer within their reach. What happened?

This is one of the topics NPR will be discussing and addressing in its series about college affordability.

On its "Morning Edition" and "Tell Me More" shows, hosts and guests will discuss the rise in college costs and how average people can afford it. NPR will also talk to real families who are trying to navigate through the often times confusing financial-aid process.

Other topics on the table of discussion will include: colleges' unrealistic formula for determining which families actually need financial aid, why Black and Hispanic students are underrepresented in college physics or astronomy programs, income equality between private and public high school students, and more. 

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