Families with college in their future have plenty to fret about when it comes to costs. Federal and state governments haven’t kept up their end of the bargain, so tuitions have inexorably climbed, putting a college education out of reach for some and putting families in debt for those who press on despite high prices.

It’s sobering to think that Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire’s tuition control proposal can still result in 7 percent tuition increases each year at Washington State University and the University of Washington, the state’s two main research institutions. The cap for Eastern Washington University and the other four-year state schools is 5 percent. Community college tuition would be frozen for two years.

Even families who are trying to lock in today’s tuition rates via prepaid “529 plans” can’t relax.

First, today’s rates are high, having risen 38.2 percent in the past four years for in-state students at WSU and UW. Idaho students have had to cope with 45.9 percent increases over the same time period. Setting enough money aside is out of reach for many families.

Second, university officials are quietly fretting that if they don’t see significant increases in funding they may have to place limits on 529 plans, or even close them to new enrollees.

The University of Washington reports that it receives $3,000 to $4,000 less per student in state appropriations than its peer institutions. In 1992-93, tuition made up one-third of the cost of instruction. Now, it’s more than one-half.

No wonder students leave college with an average debt load of $18,000.

Reversing that long-term trend doesn’t appear likely. It would take vast sums. But the state of Washington does appear to be serious about taking a comprehensive approach to reining in costs, starting with delivering students who are better prepared for college in the first place. Washington Learns understands that the education system needs changes from kindergarten through the last year of an undergraduate college education.

This K-16 approach, as opposed to K-12, should mean that universities won’t have to spend as much time on remediation, and that means students can get through the system faster, which frees up space.

Gregoire’s tuition caps are augmented by much-needed infusions elsewhere. She proposes an extra $328 million for colleges in the next two years and additional 3,300 slots in high demand fields. She also proposes expanding need-based grants and scholarship programs.

Her plan is, of course, quite expensive and may not be the best approach. But those who criticize it have a duty to come up with alternatives, because continuing to shirk this responsibility is no longer an option. The state’s future depends upon a vibrant, accessible higher-education system.