ABSTRACT
The crisis in higher education is, in large measure, out-of-control costs. Tuition and fees are growing much faster than the rate of inflation. This chapter lists and describes cost categories of higher education. Tuition costs are designed to cover instructional cost except books. Special fees cover services that are not directly related to education. For many years, institutions have charged a student activity fee for things like attending sporting events, sponsoring homecoming, building and operating student unions, supporting clubs, sustaining student government, and building and operating recreation centers. A way must be found so that students can take advantage of their expensive education by learning as much as possible, yet keep the costs of books and other learning materials low. Basic living expenses such as shelter and food are required for all students. Students can reduce the cost of their education substantially if they live close to a public university.
