A first of its kind report from the state aims to reduce cost barriers for Hoosiers interested in college. It highlights state financial aid options and their impact, and makes recommendations for schools to better support students.

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education unanimously voted Thursday to name Chris Lowery the new agency head.

Indiana lawmakers want more students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, but can't agree how to get there.

Indiana's Commissioner for Higher Education gave her final annual address Tuesday, touting the states successes, as well as the need for more affordable, accessible and valuable education for students.

In a news release, Commissioner Teresa Lubbers said she will also step down as chair of the Governor's Workforce Cabinet.

Fall enrollment at Indiana's public colleges has declined again statewide, with only Indiana and Purdue universities' flagship campuses and some Ivy Tech Community College sites reporting gains.

The number of diverse Hoosier students who graduate from high school increased over the past 10 years but there are still equity gaps among students who are prepared to succeed in college.

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education said college-going rates in Indiana are at their lowest point in recent history at just 59 percent.

The application is used to determine federal financial aid, but the state also uses FAFSA for consideration of several aid programs.

According to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education's 2020 College Equity Report, college-going rates are down overall with persisting gaps among student groups for college enrollment and completion.