(RALEIGH) -- A top federal education official says there are many issues facing students and parent. U.S. Deputy Education Secretary Tony Miller addressed a gathering of business and education leader in Raleigh on Thursday.

He said there has to be an acknowledgement that improvements are needed for the U.S. to stay competitive. "We can do more for relevant skills.  All kids are not going to go to a four-year degree program, but we know all kids are going to need more than a high school diploma," said Secretary Miller.

Discussion at the meeting centered around education issues including reform and the need to make college affordable and accessible for all students.

"There's a lot of folks who are concerned about the affordability of higher education and we need to make sure that our education systems are continuing to hold down the cost and be ever more mindful of the financial circumstances of their students."

Miller said North Carolina has tried to keep higher education affordable, but there are still cases where students graduate with $20,000 or more in student loan debt.