Team 2: Story 2: Rising Cost in Higher Education

History

The cost of attending college in the United States has risen dramatically over the past few decades, creating serious challenges for students trying to earn a degree without being buried in debt. According to EducationData.org, tuition at public four-year colleges increased by roughly 37% between 2010 and 2023. Even after adjusting for inflation, this is a significant jump. Looking back further, tuition has increased by nearly 200% since 1963. These numbers are more than just statistics—they reflect a growing financial burden that students and their families are struggling to carry, especially those without significant outside support.

Take Mississippi State University (MSU) as an example. Over the past decade, tuition and fees at MSU have risen nearly 44%, from around $18,500 in 2014 to over $26,000 today. For out-of-state students, the full cost of attendance, which includes housing, food, books, and other necessities, can exceed $46,000 per year. This steep rise means that many students are forced to juggle part-time jobs, take on student loans, and live with constant financial stress—all just to stay enrolled and on track to graduate. These financial pressures not only impact academic performance but also weigh heavily on students’ mental health and overall college experience.

This trend isn’t limited to MSU. Across the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and nationwide, students are feeling the strain. As college costs continue to rise, students are forced to make tough choices. Many choose their majors based not on interest or passion, but on expected salary potential after graduation. Others transfer to less expensive schools, commute long distances, or sacrifice extracurricular involvement in order to save money. In many cases, students find themselves prioritizing affordability over academic fit, which undermines the purpose of higher education as a time for exploration and growth. The stress of making these decisions, especially when combined with financial uncertainty, can be overwhelming and even detrimental to mental well-being.

While the problem is clear, the solutions are more complex. Policymakers and education advocates have proposed a number of strategies to address the rising cost of college and reduce student debt. One of the most discussed solutions is the idea of tuition-free college programs. Several states, including New York and Washington, offer free tuition at public colleges for low- and middle-income students. These programs are helpful, but they often come with significant limitations. They usually do not cover the cost of attending private colleges, exclude graduate programs, and often fail to address the full cost of college—like housing, books, and food. In reality, tuition is only part of the financial equation.

Another proposed solution is implementing tuition caps at public colleges and universities to control how quickly prices rise. Capping tuition can provide stability for students and families who need to plan for college expenses over several years. However, these caps can have unintended consequences. For example, institutions may try to make up for lost revenue by raising fees in other areas or by reducing academic and student support services. If not carefully managed, these efforts to control costs could lead to a decline in the quality of education offered.

Expanding financial aid is another vital approach. Increasing the reach and value of federal programs like the Pell Grant would help reduce reliance on loans for many students, particularly those from lower-income households. Aid that is better targeted and easier to access can help close the gap between what students can afford and what college actually costs. More accessible aid also provides flexibility, allowing students to focus on their studies rather than being forced into part-time work or additional loans just to get by.

Personal Take

Importantly, the student debt conversation cannot ignore graduate and professional programs. A large share of the nation's student loan debt comes from advanced degrees, yet many debt relief policies focus only on undergraduates. Addressing the full scope of the issue means ensuring that graduate students are not left behind in policy conversations. Without this consideration, efforts to reduce debt will only scratch the surface of a much deeper problem.

The financial pressure students face doesn’t end at graduation. Many leave college with tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt—debt that can take decades to repay. For some, this burden delays important life milestones such as buying a home, starting a family, or saving for retirement. These long-term consequences are particularly severe for first-generation college students and those from low-income backgrounds, who may not have a financial safety net to fall back on.

Clearly, something needs to change. Whether through more generous and accessible financial aid, smarter regulation of tuition, or expanded support for working students, the rising cost of college must be addressed. Colleges and universities need to be more transparent about the true cost of attendance, and lawmakers need to take a serious look at how higher education is funded in this country. For students at Mississippi State and across the nation, the goal should be the same: to earn a college degree without sacrificing their financial futures.

 

Email the team at jc4773@msstate.edu with any questions

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