Tulsa - A new report has flunked Oklahoma and 48-other states when it comes to affordable college.

The report comes from National Center for Public Policy and Higher Ed.

Poor and working families are spending 37% of their income on school even after help.

Students are finding ways to save money their own way.

Many have traded the books for computer systems and online classes.

Some Oklahoma universities have seen a slight drop in enrollment. But junior colleges like TCC have enrolled more students.

Online courses are very popular right now. There has been an annual growth of about 10%. Online classes are growing, nationwide.

Hillary Horn is taking her third internet course: College Algebra. "Convenience I am able to get more hours done at home, while taking care of my son I don't have to spend as many hours in class away from him."

Her online class means less driving to and from school.

"We're seeing a lot more students now, especially when gas prices were so high. People are getting online instead of coming on campus," says Randy Dominguez with TCC. 

State colleges have increased tuition 9% this year and could even ask the legislature for more cash.

Online enrollment saves budget money. "We do save costs too, save costs in electricity, we're not lighting the rooms, heating and ventilation or even the parking lot is less full because we don't have students parking out there."

So, students save on parking fees, and may in fact, never see their virtual teacher. But this is only recommended for independent students.

"But if you're not then you might want to go in class and have an instructor push you along."

Right now, they have more than 40 programs you can take completely online, and nursing is one of them.

Oklahoma flunked "affordability". We also we got a "D" for benefits, since we have a low percentage of college graduates. Only 16% of blacks have college diplomas, compared to 26% of whites.