On time completion rates for black and Hispanic students have increased across public colleges by five percent in five years as well, but gaps remain.

A new initiative plans to enroll 500 new high school students in a state-sponsored college scholarship program for low-income students.

Through the program, students can get as much as four years' tuition at an Indiana public university or a comparable amount to go to a private school.

Indiana's 21st Century Scholar program offers income-eligible Hoosier students up to four years of full tuition at certain Indiana colleges. In 2014-2015 school year, the number of 21st Century Scholars taking and completing 30 credit hours per year increased by 23 percent at four-year colleges and 24 percent at two-year colleges.