The High Cost of College is a National Disgrace

One of the most serious and important issues that is being ignored could end up destroying our nation. The high cost of getting a college education saddles our future income earners with debt and frightens away would be students:

Over the past 20 years, inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, increased by 84 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But the cost of tuition, fees and room and board at both public and private colleges and universities grew at a rate much faster than inflation.

According to The College Board, those costs tripled. In the 1985-1986 academic year, comprehensive costs at public schools totaled $3,791. For this academic year they are $12,796. At private colleges and universities 20 years ago, comprehensive costs totaled $8,902. This academic year, the number is a stunning $30,367.

Not to mention how families are burdened with saving enough to pay for college:

Nearly half of parents questioned in an ABC News poll say they're behind in their savings schedule for their children's college education.

The key to a democratic and prosperous society is education. If we fail educate our future generations we won't have a future as a nation.