The purpose of the National Center's studies and reports, including "Measuring Up, 2006," is to stimulate public policies that will improve the effectiveness and accessibility of higher education. This document is the fourth national report card on higher education in the United States. As in earlier editions, the 2006 report card evaluates the progress of the nation and all 50 states in providing Americans with education and training from high school through the baccalaureate degree. Unlike other evaluations of higher education and college guides that address the effectiveness or prestige of particular colleges and universities, Measuring Up examines the status of postsecondary education and training from a state-by-state and national perspective. This document evaluates, compares, and grades the states on their higher education performance in the following six key areas: (1) Preparation for college; (2) Participation; (3) Completion; (4) Affordability; (5) Benefits; and (6) Learning. (Contains 3 figures and 2 tables.) [For "Measuring Up 2000: The State-by-State Report Card for Higher Education," see ED450633.]