A “College Scorecard” where parents and students can compare schools as well as reforms to the Higher Education Act were some of the changes discussed during President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, Tuesday.

The reform of the Higher Education Act would include altering factors that determine which colleges receive certain types of federal aid, adding affordability and value as factors.

The criteria on the individual score of the college would be based on “where you can get the most bang for your educational buck,” he said.

“Through tax credits, grants, and better loans, we have made college more affordable for millions of students and families over the last few years,” Obama said.

He stressed the importance of kids and their education in preschool all the way to those trying to obtain a college degree.

“The sooner a child begins learning, the better he or she does down the road,” Obama said.

The “College Scorecard” would allow parents and students who are choosing colleges to attend to be able to compare colleges.

He addressed Congress and citizens of the United States, focusing on tax and immigration reform, education importance, ending the war, gun control and other topics.

Obama also proposed working with each state to ensure that high-quality preschool is available to every child in the country.

After preparing the country for higher quality preschool programs, Obama reinforced that high school graduates should be fully equipped to enter the workforce.

Obama also proposed that congress vote for the “commonsense reform” of the Second Amendment. This would include requiring background checks for those who want to purchase guns, regulation of weapons of war and massive ammunition magazines off the streets and the prevention of buying guns to resale to criminals.

Obama focused on the story of a 15-year-old girl named Hadiya Pendleton. She was with her classmates in Washington three weeks ago, and a week later was shot and killed in a Chicago park after school.

“Hadiya’s parents are in this chamber tonight, along with more than two dozen other Americans whose lives have been torn apart by gun violence,” Obama said. “They deserve a vote.”

At the beginning of the address, Obama spoke about jobs and the economy. He has proposed that minimum wage be raised to $9 an hour.

“Let’s declare that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one who works full-time should have to live in poverty,” Obama said.

Obama then announced that in the next year, 34,000 American troops will come home from Afghanistan.

“Because of (the troops) we can say with confidence that America will complete its mission in Afghanistan,” said Obama.

State of the Union 2013

Barrack Obama delivers his annual State of the Union Address. His speech highlighted plans for several reforms in education, raising minimum wage, equal pay for women, immigration reform, foreign policy and gun control reform.

Storified by Daily Sundial· Tue, Feb 12 2013 20:10:06