As many as 41 million Americans live in "higher education deserts" -- at least half an hour's drive from the nearest college or university and with limited access to community college. Many of these deserts are in rural America, which is one reason so much of rural America is less prosperous than it deserves to be. The lack of higher education access means fewer opportunities for going back to school or improving skills. Congress should work to eradicate higher education deserts. This report discusses how higher education "deserts" are handicapping rural America. The goal is to eradicate higher education deserts and ensure every rural American has higher education access. While it is unrealistic to establish a new college, community college, or university in every rural area that needs one, emerging models for delivering higher education potentially offer a creative, cost-effective and effective alternative. These new models can also expand the ability of workers to obtain high-quality occupational credentials, which in many instances are likely to be more practical, affordable and desirable than pursuing a two-year or four-year degree.