Imagine that all the hard work of keeping good grades, staying involved in extracurriculars, and writing good essays paid off, and you got accepted into your dream school. But one obstacle remains. The cost of attendance.
Financial hardships shouldn’t limit one’s education and pathway to success. Today, however, the cost of attending college, specifically tuition, has risen to unreasonable and unrealistic levels, which can drive people to choose a less costly college instead of their dream college.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the average in-state tuition at a public college is $11,731 and $44,961 for the 2025-26 academic year. But when housing, meal plans, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses are factored in, the costs for elite or private institutions can exceed $100,000 per year without financial aid, according to the New York Times. Even though most people don’t pay $100,000, it can still be costly for families who may not get adequate financial aid.
College was not always this costly. In the 1960s, most public colleges and some private colleges were founded as tuition-free to provide students with an affordable education that prepared them for the workforce and contributed to society, according to History. But in the 1970s, during a slow economy, the federal government had to cut back on school funding, causing college costs to increase over the years without accounting for inflation, placing a greater financial burden on students.
Since 2010, college tuition has increased by 36.8% and public school tuition by 36.7%, according to the Education Data Initiative. Factors behind rising costs include reduced state funding for public schools, fewer students enrolled in institutions, new buildings, and the fact that no college can cost the same price, according to an article by the National Public Radio (NPR). Additionally, private institutions are more costly due to greater numbers of full-time faculty, individualized attention, and more research opportunities, according to Pacific University.
While high tuition may correlate with a high-quality education, it can lead more people to take out student loans. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center survey, 36% of adults under 40 have outstanding student debt.
Taking out student loans can be a financial burden when the loans exceed what one can afford, because there is no guarantee of a high-paying job after graduation. According to the Education Data Initiative, total federal student loan debt has grown from $480 billion in 2006 to approximately $1.833 trillion in 2026.
As more and more people take out loans for education, the question arises: Is the experience worth the added debt? Debt can impact when one starts saving for retirement and can delay other financial goals.
Although facilities and enrollment can become more expensive over time, education should be accessible to all students so that more people can achieve their academic goals. The more educated people are, the greater the innovation and productivity, benefiting society as a whole.
The price of college is worth opportunities, a good network, and long-lasting memories. However, it should not come at the cost of financial hardships.
