Introduction

Analyzing a New York Times article from 1988 on the sharp increase in college tuition costs and reflecting on the outrage and comparisons between past and current fees.

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Once upon a time, borrowing money for college was an affordable path towards upward mobility. Today, it’s a crisis. With Americans owing a whopping $1.7 trillion in student loans. So how did the student debt crisis get so out of control? From bungled government programs to Sputnik to the Great Recession, “How We Got Here” unpacks the history behind spiraling student debt…with interest!

SOURCES

Only 25% of those with student loans went to graduate school—but they owe around 50% of all student debt | CNBC

Student loans are now easier to discharge in bankruptcy, attorneys say: It's 'life changing' | CNBC

Average Cost of College [2023]: Yearly Tuition + Expenses | Education Data Initiative

Everything you need to know about college costs - Vox

Student loan forgiveness: What to know about Biden’s $39 billion plan - Vox

Why Does College Cost So Much? - The New York Times

Introducing Bennett Hypothesis 2.0 | Center for College Affordability and Productivity

Statement Before the House Committee on Education and Workforce On Lowering Costs and Increasing Value for Students, Institution | Texas Public Policy Foundation

Is Rising Student Debt Harming the U.S. Economy? | CFR

Student loan forgiveness: How much debt has Biden canceled? | CNN Politics

Federal Student Loan Borrowers Reveal Grim Expectations for Payment Resumption | Morning Consult