The Rising Cost of Going to College

The cost of college has been rising steadily for decades, and there are a number of factors that contribute to this trend. Until about 10 years ago, there was a rising demand for a college education. More and more students were graduating from high school and going on to college. That increased demand put upward pressure on tuition prices, and colleges and universities were able to charge more for their services.

Another factor that contributed to the rising cost of college was the limited space. There was a finite number of seats available at colleges and universities, and as demand for a college education increased, the competition for those spots became more intense. This gave colleges and universities more bargaining power, and they were able to raise tuition prices accordingly.

In addition to rising demand and limited supply, the increased costs of instruction and administration also played a role in the rising cost of college. Colleges and universities faced rising costs for things like faculty salaries, benefits, and research expenses. They also spent more on student services like counseling and financial aid. These increased costs were passed on to students in the form of higher tuition prices.

A typically invisible expense is competition for students. Colleges and universities are constantly competing for the best and brightest students, and they often use tuition discounts and other financial incentives to attract these students. This competition leads to a bidding war among colleges, which can pushed tuition prices up.

The rising cost of college has had a number of negative consequences. It has made it more difficult for students from low-income families to afford a college education, increased student debt and contributed to the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

A number of things have been done to address the rising cost of college. Government funding for higher education has increased and adjustments are being made to the student loan system, but these steps are treating symptoms and not the real problem.  Colleges and universities must take steps to control their costs. Many of the pressures that have historically driven up tuition prices no longer exist. The rising cost of college is a complex issue, and there is no easy solution, but changes have to be made – and soon. There is tremendous change happening at all levels of education in the United States. This is an opportunity to build a better system to replace the one that presently has such a negative impact on our disadvantaged students and their families.