Nation lags in college access and success - Other nations are advancing more quickly than the United States in preparing citizens for college success according to Measuring Up 2008 from the National Center For Public Policy and Higher Education. The report card grades all 50 states on five areas: preparation, participation, affordability, completion, and benefits. It shows how income, race and ethnicity and geography are playing an increasing role in determining which Americans receive an education that prepares them for college.