This paper presents a status report on efforts by the Illinois State Board of Higher Education to implement policies to enhance academic preparation and progress among college students, assist needy students, and keep college costs affordable. The board has initiated statutory high school course requirements for admission to public universities, baccalaureate-transfer programs at community colleges, and measures to allow high school students and nontraditional students to receive college credit, all in an effort to enhance academic preparation and reduce barriers to timely degree completion. The board has emphasized student aid programs that distribute aid based on need, such as the Monetary Award Program, the state's largest need-based student financial aid program, as well as new programs, such as the Illinois Incentive for Access grant program and the Learning and Excellence Award for Persisters pilot program. Efforts have also been undertaken to enhance the quality of information available to students and their families concerning state financial aid programs and planning for college costs. Initiatives are also under way to limit the increase in college costs at several universities to the rate of inflation. At appendix provides the board's master plan policies on student affordability. (MDM)