The cost of a college education in Pennsylvania earned a place in the spotlight at the national convention of the United States Student Association held at the University of Pittsburgh — but not for the right reason.

Rather than the state being recognized for its education affordability, the convention noted that Pennsylvania's average annual tuition and fees in the 2006-07 academic year ranked fifth-highest among the nation's public four-year colleges, at $9,041. Among private four-year schools, the Keystone State's average annual tuition and fees ranked 10th-highest, at $25,591.

The figures were provided by the College Board, a New York-based group that collects data on college costs.

While pursuing quality higher education in Pennsylvania is so costly, even more troubling is that many students quickly find, upon graduation, that they must venture out of state to find a job.

That doesn't square with the cost of getting an education here.

Only Vermont ($9,800), Ohio ($9,357), New Jersey ($9,298) and New Hampshire ($9,114) posted a higher annual tuition and fee figure than Pennsylvania for four-year public colleges during the past year. Meanwhile, in the category of annual tuition and fees for four-year private colleges, in which Pennsylvania placed 10th-highest, the five most expensive states were Massachusetts ($29,335), Connecticut ($28,525), California ($28,074), Colorado ($27,143) and New Hampshire ($26,881).

The national average for public institutions is $5,836 and, for private schools, $22,218.

Students and parents might have a more upbeat attitude about Pennsylvania's college costs if more students were sure they would have a future here after graduation. Unfortunately, in too many instances, other states are reaping the talents of this state's best and brightest.

That is an unfortunate fact that demands solid attention by state leaders but, amid Harrisburg's partisan-politics morass, doesn't get enough.

The boy who was trying to set fires on the porch of a Virginia Avenue home on Monday should consider himself lucky. All considered, authorities gave him a lenient form of punishment — washing fire trucks for the remainder of the week. It was a better alternative than taking a trip through the juvenile justice system.Fire Chief Larry Christy and police who responded to the scene handled the troubling situation well. Fortunately, the boy was unsuccessful in igniting the conflagration that could have occurred in the neighborhood, where many houses are close to one another.Perhaps the truck-washing experience will benefit the boy in another way. Gaining some knowledge about the life of a firefighter and firefighting equipment might encourage him someday to pursue a positive role in the fire service — or at least appreciate the importance of the work.While this incident was troubling, it was the work of an immature mind. As this boy grows up, it is to be hoped that he will realize how tragic the outcome might have been.He can consider himself lucky, just like the homeowner whose house escaped destruction.And, praise is in order to the neighbor who placed the call to authorities that brought firefighters and police to the scene.

Motorists who use Benbrook Road in Center and Butler townships can thank last winter for the improved driving conditions that they now encounter between Route 8 and Route 68.Because last winter was "on the milder side," a total of $1.3 million that the state Department of Transportation would have used for winter maintenance during the past cold weather season could instead be reallocated for the improvement of Benbrook.The project included resurfacing of 4.4 miles of roadway plus 2,400 feet of storm-drainage improvements, including installation of pipe.Mark Hillwig, a spokesman for PennDOT District 10, said during the past week that the source of funds for the Benbrook work was the annual PennDOT budget for Butler County. He said when winters are mild, money from that budget can be retargeted for resurfacing and other needed work.That's what happened with Benbrook, which has acquired greater importance as the result of the opening of the new outpatient surgical center a short distance from where Benbrook intersects with Route 68.While many curves and hilly conditions still exist on Benbrook, and even though the road is not as wide as many motorists would like it to be, the work done this year represents a major accomplishment over what previously existed.PennDOT merits praise for recognizing the importance of making the roadway more motorist-friendly.In recent years, Center Township officials were among those reminding PennDOT about the need for Benbrook improvements. Those officials should feel a sense of satisfaction that their voices were heard.