"We're spending more than ever on higher education at the federal level, yet fewer and fewer students are able to take advantage of that investment," McKeon added. "We need to change course before a college degree becomes an impossible dream for low- and middle-income American students," he said.

The strong statement from the two House GOP leaders adds to the uncertainty facing student-aid programs heading into the next Higher Education Act (HEA) reauthorization. Earlier this year, McKeon floated the idea of creating a "college affordability index," where colleges that exceed federally recommended levels of tuition increases would be subject to sanctions. Those comments provoked fierce criticism among higher education lobbyists concerned about Congress implementing price controls on higher education.

Due to the mounting concern, the American Council on Education gave House Republicans a detailed report about college costs, noting that most students pay less than $8,000 a year. More than half also spend less than $3,000 after factoring in student aid.

To combat talk of price controls, the ACE fact sheet also cited recent state budget cuts in education and described efforts by colleges to "set tuition costs with great care."

"The cost of college generates more passion and confusion than any other policy issue in higher education," said Dr. David Ward, president of ACE, in presenting the figures.

The House Education and the Workforce Committee has held some preliminary hearings on the reauthorization of the HEA, though the bill-writing process will not begin until next year.