Historical Changes in University Funding

The funding of universities has undergone significant changes over the past 50 to 60 years, transitioning from a system where government funding covered nearly all expenses to one where students are expected to contribute significantly. In the past, many students graduated without debt due to the lack of tuition fees, which was sustainable only with a small number of attendees. However, as enrollment increased, governments worldwide began to struggle with funding, leading to the introduction of tuition fees as a means to generate revenue. This shift mirrored trends observed globally, demonstrating that no country remains entirely unaffected by the rising costs associated with mass higher education.