It is becoming more difficult for some to pay for college. State lawmakers are looking at a way to tackle that problem. A recent report shows Kentucky receiving an "F" when it comes to college affordability. So we asked why is the grade so low and how do we get it higher?

High school senior Ryan Combs says he doesn't know how he'll pay for college next year if he doesn't get the scholarships he applied for.

“I really don't know. I hope not, I hope I don't have to face that,” Hazard High School senior Ryan Combs said.

College student Kassie Robinson says, take it from her, it's not easy paying the tuition that just seems to keep going up.

“They want the economy and the community to be better, but how can it get better if nobody can even afford to go to college,” Hazard Community and Technical College junior Kassie Robinson said.

That’s why state lawmakers say they're looking at what they can do to make college easier on our wallets.

The report shows California as the only state to receive a passing grade, attributing community colleges as its big cost saver. HCTC president Allen Goben says it is the most affordable option.

“I grew up in a poverty level family, and affordability for college is always in the front of my mind,” Hazard Community and Technical College President Allen Goben said.

The study based the grades on the average income among families in the state and how much of it goes towards higher education.

State lawmakers say they hope Kentucky is on that passing list with California in the future. Senator Brandon Smith says college costs will be discussed in more detail in the next general assembly.