The annual college enrollment season is upon us, and for many families, it’s a time of great stress and anxiety. The cost of college has been skyrocketing for decades, and the competition for admission to top schools has become increasingly fierce. As a result, many students are finding it difficult to find and afford the college of their dreams.

The Rising Cost of College
The average cost of tuition and fees at a four-year public college has increased by more than 250% since 1985, according to the College Board. At private colleges, the average cost has increased by more than 150%. This means that the average student now pays more than $20,000 per year for tuition and fees alone.
The rising cost of college is putting a major strain on family budgets. Many families are struggling to afford the cost of college, and some are even being forced to take on debt to pay for their children’s education.
The Competition for Admission
The competition for admission to top colleges has also become increasingly fierce in recent years. This is due in part to the growing number of students who are applying to college. In 2018, a record 3.1 million students applied to college, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
The competition for admission is particularly intense at selective colleges. At these schools, the acceptance rate is often below 10%. This means that many students who apply to these schools are rejected.
The Enrollment Nightmare
The rising cost of college and the competition for admission have created a perfect storm for students and families. Many students are finding it difficult to find and afford the college of their dreams.
This is causing a lot of stress and anxiety for students and families. Many students are worried that they will not be able to afford college or that they will not be admitted to the college of their choice.
What Can Be Done?
There are a number of things that can be done to address the college enrollment nightmare.
- Increase financial aid. The government can increase financial aid to help students pay for college. This would make college more affordable for many families.
- Make college more affordable. Colleges can make college more affordable by reducing tuition and fees. They can also offer more financial aid to students.
- Expand access to college. The government can expand access to college by creating more public colleges and universities. They can also make it easier for students to transfer from community colleges to four-year colleges.
These are just a few of the things that can be done to address the college enrollment nightmare. By working together, we can make college more affordable and accessible for all students.
College enrollment has a significant impact on the economy. College graduates earn more money than those with only a high school diploma. They are also more likely to be employed and have higher job satisfaction.
The economic benefits of college enrollment are not just limited to college graduates. College graduates also contribute to the economy by paying taxes and starting businesses.
The college enrollment nightmare is a serious problem that is having a negative impact on students, families, and the economy. There are a number of things that can be done to address this problem. By working together, we can make college more affordable and accessible for all students.
| Year | Average Cost of Tuition and Fees (Public Colleges) | Average Cost of Tuition and Fees (Private Colleges) |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | $2,440 | $8,480 |
| 2000 | $4,970 | $18,560 |
| 2010 | $8,240 | $29,190 |
| 2018 | $10,230 | $35,830 |
| Year | Number of College Applicants | Acceptance Rate at Selective Colleges |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2.8 million | 15% |
| 2012 | 2.9 million | 13% |
| 2016 | 3.0 million | 11% |
| 2018 | 3.1 million | 10% |
| Year | Percentage of College Graduates with a Job | Median Income of College Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 75% | $55,000 |
| 2012 | 80% | $58,000 |
| 2016 | 85% | $61,000 |
| 2018 | 88% | $64,000 |
