There is a widening college access gap in the United States. The ever-rising cost of higher education, coupled with diminished government financial support and growing income inequality, have put college out of reach for many at a critical juncture when postsecondary education is essential for enhancing career prospects. The situation has been exacerbated by additional factors, including recent proposed budget cuts by the federal government and increasing fiscal stress on state and local governments. There are five elements that could capture policymakers' attention and drive greater resources into higher education as a way to close equity gaps: (1) Provide direct benefits to the student as opposed to block grant-like funding to the system; (2) In any program, there must be targeted support for at-risk students; (3) Open new access points by breaking down traditional education structures; (4) Quality and success indicators are imperative in order to demonstrate value; and (5) Bend the total college cost curve for as many students as possible. Using comparative survey data and a comprehensive review of programs, particularly in New York and Tennessee, the paper explores several states with replicable models to expand college access and success. The paper examines how these states are addressing the affordability (and success) gap, how policymakers were convinced to make additional financial investment in higher education, the problems and pitfalls of the programs, and the ways other states could model similar efforts. Most importantly, the paper explores how states are focused on quality and outcomes, not just access, in these programs. [This paper was presented at the Annual Conference of the NAPA Standing Panel on Social Equity, New York City, June 12-13, 2018.]