by Philip Wubbolt

Higher education costs have been rising for years and compared to how the prices of other goods have risen, there is a significant difference in how much those prices had risen.  From 1985 until now, the costs for higher education had risen in excess of 500%.  Compared to other goods and services, this is absolutely significant.  Medical costs have risen in excess of 280% and 120% in the consumer price index.  This rise in higher education costs, further exacerbates the problem of the inequality and income gaps.  If a family is unable to pay for college, this can inhibit that child’s ability to further his education and have a higher paying job.  This then has a compounding effect  on further and later generations.  There are efforts from politicians to lower or slow the rising costs for education, however these efforts have not made much of a difference.  The question now is, are students and kids getting what they paid for?  Are the jobs kids are receiving after college, making up for the significant prices?

See: College Costs Surge 500% in U.S. Since 1985: Chart of the Day