DEKALB, Ill. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon is urging lawmakers and education officials to help keep college affordable.

Simon spoke during a tour of Northern Illinois University and called a college degree a prerequisite for students to get jobs that pay well. She says a college-educated workforce also will help Illinois attract high-wage, high-skill jobs.

The College Board estimated costs at public and private universities nationwide rose more than 4 percent this school year. The cost of community college increased more than 5 percent.