Research shows the economic benefits of postsecondary degree attainment, including higher earnings and lifetime wages. However, the full cost of college attendance is too high for most students even after receiving tuition assistance, such as grants and scholarships, making access to college inequitable, especially for low-income students and students of color. The rising college costs have outpaced inflation and income growth, widening the financial gap between the financial aid students receive and the full cost of attendance. States have also failed to adequately invest in postsecondary education in recent years following the recession. Because of the high costs, many students rely on loans to pay for college, and as a result, one in four adults in the United States has student loan debt. Student loan debt has negative impacts on the short- and long-term financial stability and outlook for borrowers. Meanwhile, many students continue to experience some form of basic needs insecurity. Policy solutions must look to provide equitable, affordable access to postsecondary education for all while also addressing the existing student debt burden for borrowers nationwide.