"Community colleges pride themselves on being the best bargains in higher education, yet affordability remains a barrier for many low- and moderate-income students," USA Today reports. "Tuition, though it's rising faster than inflation, isn't the main culprit. At $2,361, last year's average community college cost was just 38% of what public four-year universities charged, says the non-profit College Board, which tracks annual tuition increases. Bigger factors: Costs related to going to college ... Financial aid eligibility ... Awareness of aid."