JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A coalition of Midwestern states is studying the creation of a college-credit exchange that could make it easier for some people to finally earn their degrees.

The project would create a central location for people to store the college credits they have received from multiple institutions. Colleges and universities then essentially would bid for the opportunity to enroll students for the completion of their degrees.

The proposal is being researched by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. That group consists of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

The research is being financed by a $100,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.