College Prices, Costs, and Outcomes: Who's Minding the Gap Between Higher Education and the Public?

Tuition and fees at most public and independent colleges and universities have risen markedly over the last two decades, and although the rate of increase has slowed in most cases, college has become less affordable for a number of people, and the willingness and ability of students, parents, and the public to pay the price have declined. Most board members seem to understand this point, but only when it comes to other colleges and universities, according to a survey recently conducted by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) of more than 2,500 board members across the country. Board members think that higher education in general is too expensive, but the price is right at their own institution. And while almost half say that their institution could be doing more or needs to do much more to reduce expenses, the other half say it is already doing all it can.