I am tasked by my group to make a model (preferably linear regression models) to analyze the correlation between state tuition and state inflation throughout 2010-2020 in the USA. The goal is to find if there is a correlation and the state that has the best value.

I have been given five different variables to work with: University tuition, State inflation rate, state average income, States (All 50), and the years 2010-2020.

My initial plan was to use multiple linear regression models to tie different variables together however if there was a better simple approach, that would be much appreciated. I could use different methods of datasets as well if linear regression is a poor choice to use for these terms.

Any help or tips would suffice, thank you.