[tfecw]

"which means that most kids cannot afford tuition without government financial aid"

Student loans are the key and you can take A LOT out. I went to a private school that was completely paid for by student loans in my name.

The insane cost of college education is definitely a factor, but i would say the reason for overpriced colleges is because parents and the government are paying for school.

[KeyesPlease]

I agree with you. My opinion is that the generous amount of financial aid ranging from grants to loans is the primary driver of the costs of higher education. Before all of these programs existed people paid for college in 2 main ways: (1) saved up for it or worked through it and/or (2) parents. Colleges know that those sources of funds will always be there so the cost of education rises, more or less, as: (financial aid available + whatever students get from savings, work and parents) whereas before, tutition was affordable without financial aid. Now, students must mortgage their futures in many instances.