WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Al Franken introduced a bill today (Wednesday) that would work to bring down high tuition costs for colleges across the country.

The College Access Act would create grant programs for states as an incentive to make college more affordable and bolster graduation rates.

The five-year grants would call for states to increase the number of Pell Grant-eligible students. It would also require colleges to provide more need-based grants along with making the application process more user-friendly so families can better understand costs and compare them to other options.

Other suggested reforms include providing cheaper methods of textbook use and making transfers from community colleges to four-year colleges easier for students.

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