The crux of Nixon's plan is to expand the A+ scholarship program to more high schools. Right now, in Springfield, just three of the five high schools offer it to their students. Only about half of schools offer it across the state.

As college tuition continues to climb, students like Jonathan Campos are left grappling with how to foot the bill.

“It's very intense to think that you're going to be making $30,000 a year and have $30,000 in debt,” said Campos.

Nixon says the mounting debt that students face is unacceptable for them, and unsustainable for the economy. His higher education plan would help high schools like Kickapoo and Hillcrest start their own A+ programs so they could offer their students chances at degrees from community colleges or technical colleges, with pathways to four-year schools, all paid for by the state.

“Stay out of trouble, keep your grades up, and you have the opportunity to earn a four-year degree tuition-free,” Nixon said at a news conference.

The A+ program requires high school students to keep a 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) grade point average, miss few days of school, stay out of trouble, and do community service. Nixon says the plan would require $61 million in new state appropriations each year.

When asked about Nixon’s plan at a different news conference, Gov. Matt Blunt says it doesn't add up.

“Either it’s affecting fewer students than he claims it does, or it costs far more than he suggests it will,” said Blunt.

“The numbers add up and they're based on numbers provided in the fiscal note process provided by this administration to the legislature,” said Nixon.

There would be eligibility requirements. Nixon says a family of four with an $80,000 income would qualify.

Lots of details are involved in this plan. Click the link below for more details.