This report attempts to define the nature and dimensions of the "college affordability crisis." It covers trends in college costs, student ability to pay, and some of the ways in which affordability problems are being addressed. The report finds that while annual growth in college costs has slowed, cost continues to exceed growth in family income and in the Consumer Price Index, but it notes that high tuition is not universal. It discusses student and family concerns about affordability and debt burdens on students after they leave college.It also notes that institutional reactions to these concerns include an increase in college-supported student aid. In looking at why college costs are rising, it notes that one factor is reduced growth in state funding, but also finds that an increasing number of private four-year colleges discount tuition. The report also discusses changes in federal student aid; looks at other explanations for the growth in tuition, including colleges' financial conditions; reviews policymakers' positions and views on affordability; and gives examples of how the media looks at affordability. Appendix tables provide comparative tuition data vis-a-vis income and enrollment, and grant aid as a percentage of total costs. (Contains 60 references.) (CH)