Why is college so expensive? 4 reasons for the ever-rising costs

From 2008 to 2018, 41 states spent less per student after adjusting for inflation.

The increase in the number of people enrolling in college nationwide means less money is available per student.

Many entry-level jobs now require undergraduate degrees. In turn, colleges are making changes to increase the value of the student experience.

It means hiring more faculty, improving the buildings, and making technological improvements, putting more responsibility on the students to pay the costs.

Student loans allow families and students not to worry because they can just borrow to pay for it without deeply questioning what they're really paying for.

Some schools take advantage of the student loan system by setting their tuition at the maximum amount undergrad students can legally borrow.

The most expensive university in the US is Columbia University in New York City. It costs $86,257 a year. Northwestern University is at $78,654, and Barnard College costs $78,044.

Tuition fees include faculty salaries, institutional support, research, student services, campus maintenance etc. It is not part of room and board and other fees. Students considering attending a particular school should look at the net-price calculator on the institution's website.