For many middle-income families, college is no longer within reach

A smaller percentage of middle-income undergraduate students is attending the nation's elite public universities, raising concerns among experts and college officials that years of rising costs and tuition increases are putting top-tier educations at top public schools beyond the reach of some families.

At the University of Michigan, the percentage of freshmen with family incomes of $40,000-$100,000 fell 13% from 2005 to 2009, a national survey tracking incoming freshmen found.

U-M says it's working to reverse the trend and says there's a misperception that the school is unaffordable. Officials say U-M has increased financial aid the past several years. "We've done everything possible to keep access for all students," President Mary Sue Coleman said.

The national trend and other data indicate many middle-income families are trapped in a bind: They make too much to qualify for significant financial aid for their children, but not enough to pay increasing college costs at some public schools without more help.

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