It’s no secret that a good portion of those attending college here and around the country struggle to make ends meet, but it’s rarely talked about – or addressed – that the traditional student meal of Ramen noodles, for some, is a feast. A survey of administrators at the state’s 29 public colleges and universities finds that 24 of the schools have set up food pantries or formed partnerships with local food banks to serve their students’ needs, and there is no want for customers.

“Quite frankly, it’s heartbreaking to know the kind of challenges they’re facing, and they still come to school, and they still try to succeed,” Patricia A. Gentile, president of North Shore Community College in Danvers, told the Boston Globe.

The study presented to the Board of Higher Education found that more than 1,000 students in the state’s public higher education facilities are homeless or at risk of being homeless, living on friends’ couches, in cars, or staying in all-night coffee shops or airport terminals to have a place to sleep and study.

Though Massachusetts, with its bulging student population, certainly feels the impact of the crisis, it’s a growing national problem. A survey last year of California’s sprawling public college and university system found as many as 12 percent of its students were homeless. Because colleges are not required to track homelessness and hunger like K-12, there are no accurate data on the rate nationally, but anecdotal evidence suggests it is a growing problem everywhere.

As much as homelessness is an issue, food insecurity for college students is an even bigger problem. While there are federal and state programs to help feed hungry students in lower grades, the safety net disappears for teens once they graduate from high school and turn 18. Much of the financial aid is directed at tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board, with little available to help off-campus students with food or housing.

Adding to the problem is the growing number of older students returning to school who are vulnerable to the problems associated with poverty. Veterans, single mothers, or recovering addicts all looking for a better life often don’t have the backup needed to pay for school, put a roof over their (and, sometimes, their children’s) heads, and maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Something has to give and it’s usually the latter two.

The latest data show the average cost of attending a public school is just under $10,000 a year for tuition and fees plus another $10,000 and change for room and board. Times four. Massachusetts is roughly in that average.

As the cost of college continues to rise, many are trying to find that sweet spot that will allow anyone who wants to attend to be able to pursue a degree. It’s an issue that US Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have been hammering for years. In Rhode Island, Gov. Gina Raimondo has proposed free tuition for any state resident who wants to attend a public college or university in the Ocean State.

The bumper sticker goes, “Think college is expensive? Try ignorance.” But the price of a college degree comes with a cost for many that goes beyond the tuition bill.

–JACK SULLIVAN

BEACON HILL

Perhaps not surprising for a Republican governor swimming in a sea of Democrats, Gov. Charlie Baker emphasized bipartisan collaboration in his State of the Commonwealth address, and drew a sharp contrast between that approach and the divisive rhetoric of the new Trump administration. (Boston Herald) Baker’s bipartisan approach wins praise. (Eagle-Tribune) To read the speech, click here. (CommonWealth)

Documents indicate House and Senate leaders had already drafted a pay raise bill before the public hearing on the issue. (CommonWealth) The pay package includes a big bump for obscure county officeholders, including Steve Murphy, who has only been in place for weeks as the Suffolk County Register of Deeds. (Boston Globe) North Shore lawmakers back the pay raise, with the exception of Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr of Gloucester. (Salem News) A Herald editorial urges Baker to veto the pay raise bill.

Nearly 70 state workers received buyouts of at least $60,000 last year. (MassLive)

The Senate is going on the road again, this time holding listening sessions with a special focus on transportation. (CommonWealth)

Baker’s annual budget proposal, to be unveiled today, will include a provision that would require that a portion of state revenue each year be directed into the state’s rainy day fund. (Boston Globe)

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

Nine pedestrians, including one in a wheelchair, were struck by cars in Boston last Tuesday — the same day Mayor Marty Walsh was touting a city task force whose goal is to eliminate all pedestrian fatalities by 2030. (Boston Herald)

A cousin of the mayor’s, Sgt. Detective Winifred Cotter, whom he handpicked to serve as his police department driver, has been promoted to a top command post in the Boston Police Department, drawing criticism from some observers. Walsh defended the move, saying, “She should not be penalized because her cousin is the mayor of Boston.” (Boston Herald)

A former mayoral candidate in Pittsfield is hauled from a city council meeting in handcuffs after he objected to not being allowed to speak. He blamed the weather for arriving late to the public comment portion of the meeting. (Berkshire Eagle)

Easton became the second town to commit to a proposed regional public safety dispatch call center that is planned to include Mansfield, Norton, and Foxborough. (The Enterprise)

WASHINGTON/NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby tries to school “Make America Great Again” hat wearers in the folly of Donald Trump’s protectionist economic policies — and points out that their champion has embraced free trade widely through decades of business dealings.

Trump’s top economic advisor, Gary Cohn, is walking away from his No. 2 spot at Goldman Sachs with an after-tax payout of $100 million. (CNN)

California Gov. Jerry Brown, in his State of the State speech, issues a strong rebuke to President Trump. (Governing)

Trump announces he’ll launch a “major investigation” into voter fraud to back up his false claims that 3 million to 5 million illegal immigrants cast ballots in November for Hillary Clinton and cost him the popular vote. (U.S. News & World Report)

Trump is moving ahead on his vow to build a wall. (New York Times)

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

The Boston Celtics’ jerseys will feature the General Electric logo starting next season as part of a sponsorship arrangement between the team and the iconic company that recently moved its headquarters to Boston. (Boston Globe)

The trial of New Bedford fishing tycoon Carlos Rafael, known as “The Codfather,” on charges of violating federal fishing regulations and trying to smuggle cash out of the country has been postponed for a second time and his lawyer is indicating a settlement may be at hand. (Standard-Times)

EDUCATION

The Mashpee School Committee postpones a vote on rearranging school start times to accommodate studies showing children need more sleep after a number of parents raised concerns over pre- and after-school child care. (Cape Cod Times)

Abington officials are considering opening up their schools to out-of-town students through the school choice program. (The Enterprise)

HEALTH/HEALTH CARE

Block grants are at the heart of the GOP’s plan to rein in the costs of Medicaid. Here’s what you need to know. (Governing)

Two tobacco shop owners in Pembroke said they aren’t opposed to the town raising to 21 the age to buy cigarettes, acknowledging “the tide is turning that way” around the state. (Patriot Ledger)

TRANSPORTATION

The Trump administration seems to be on board with providing $1 billion for the Green Line Extension. (MassLive)

A federal judge dismisses a lawsuit by Boston taxi medallion owners challenging a new state law that regulates the ride-hailing industry. (Boston Globe)

ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT

Condo owners in Sandwich being sued over access to Town Neck Beach are asking the Conservation Commission to pass a ban on foot traffic on sand dunes, ostensibly to protect the beach against erosion. (Cape Cod Times)

CRIMINAL JUSTICE/COURTS

A Peru man is sent to jail after being convicted of drunk driving for the second time in three years. The man was picked up driving with only three wheels on his car. (Berkshire Eagle)

MEDIA

NPR dishes on its struggle with calling President Trump a liar. (NPR)