College Cost Burdens examines the growing crisis of college affordability in America, revealing how rising tuition and student debt are impacting economic mobility and future generations. The book highlights the unsustainability of current trends, where the cost of higher education increasingly creates a divide, exacerbating socio-economic inequalities. For instance, the book analyzes how tuition has increased dramatically over the past half-century, outpacing financial aid and family incomes, while also exploring the intricacies of federal and institutional financial aid programs.
The book progresses by first introducing fundamental concepts in higher education finance and looking at historical causes of tuition increases. It then evaluates the effectiveness of current financial aid programs. The later sections focus on student loan burdens and how these debts impact graduates' life decisions, such as buying homes or starting families. The analysis uses education statistics and economic analyses to support its arguments.
The book concludes with recommendations for policy changes and alternative funding models, such as increasing public investment and income-based repayment plans. The value of College Cost Burdens lies in its comprehensive, data-driven approach to understanding the complex issues of college costs, student debt, and college affordability. It connects these issues to broader discussions of income inequality and public policy, offering actionable insights for policymakers, administrators, students, and parents alike.
