In a report released this week, the College Board warned that the growing gap between the U.S. and other countries threatens to undermine American economic competitiveness. While the U.S. used to the lead the world in the number of 25- to 34-year-olds with college degrees, the country now ranks 12th among developed nations.Currently nearly 70% of high school graduates in the U.S. enroll in college within two years of graduating, but only about 57% of bachelor’s candidates graduate within six years, and fewer than 25% of students who begin at a community college graduate with an associate’s degree within three years. This problem, which is worse for low-income students and minorities, begins long before college, according to the College Board report. The group’s first five recommendations all concern K-12 education. College costs also were implicated, with recommendations for more need-based financial aid.Source: The New York Times