Published tuition has risen faster than inflation for decades, and outstanding student debt is measured in trillions. Debate covers why costs rose, whether existing debt should be reduced, and how to prevent the same accumulation in the next generation.
Sticker price and net price differ substantially. Many students pay less than published tuition after institutional and federal aid, but net price has still risen and varies enormously by institution type.
Explanations for rising costs include declining state appropriations per student at public institutions, expanded administrative and student services, competition on amenities, and the argument that readily available federal loans allow institutions to raise prices.
Debt burdens are unevenly distributed. Graduate and professional borrowers hold a large share of total balances, while borrowers who did not complete a credential carry smaller balances but default at far higher rates.