College Costs 4-1-25

When I graduated from St. Louis University in 1965, tuition was $1000 per year. In 1965, 10% of high school grades had BS degrees. High ACT scores were required for entry and all courses were “occupational”. I commuted to class from home, worked as a musician 6 nights per week throughout my college years from 1961 to 1965 and paid my own tuition. The classrooms were in 100 year-old buildings that were well maintained. I was allowed to take graduate courses for undergraduate credit and graduated a semester early in January 1965. 

In 1980-81, the average total cost for tuition, room, and board at a private 4-year institution like Saint Louis University was approximately $3,617. 

In the 1989-1990 academic year, the average full-time graduate tuition and required fees were $4,135.

In the 1999-2000 academic year, Saint Louis University's undergraduate tuition was $16,138. 

For the 2010-2011 academic year, Saint Louis University's undergraduate tuition was $31,342. 

For the 2020-2021 academic year, Saint Louis University's undergraduate tuition was $54,250. 

For the 2025-2026 academic year, Saint Louis University's undergraduate tuition is $55,760. 

In the 1970s St. Louis U began spending $billions expanding their campus and replacing old buildings. This allowed them to double enrollment. Students were more interested in a plush 4 years in a vacation resort.

42.7 million Americans have federal student loan debt. The total federal student debt balance is $1.64 trillion dollars, which has roughly tripled since 2007. Including private student loans, the total student debt balance is $1.77 trillion dollars.

In 1965, Saint Louis University (SLU) had a total enrollment of 4,629 students, Saint Louis University (SLU) anticipates a total student enrollment of around 15,000 for the 2025 academic year.

In 2025, Saint Louis University School of Medicine has a total enrollment of 729,

Student Loan Debt

42.7 million Americans have federal student loan debt. The total federal student debt balance is $1.64 trillion dollars, which has roughly tripled since 2007. Including private student loans, the total student debt balance is $1.77 trillion dollars.- Feb 11, 2025.

The average student loan debt per borrower is $38,883. The average student loan interest rate is 6.53% (for federal undergraduate Direct Loans for the 2024–25 school year).Feb 24, 2025. Students with “non-occupational” Degrees are not able to repay their Student Loan Balances. 

Comments

College is now unaffordable. High School Grads are looking at Trade Schools. Scholarship Winners work part-time, live “off-campus” and some have their parents buy a home near the college and they rent out rooms.

Many High School Grads join the US Military to attend “Electronic School”. Some Pre-Med Students sign up to serve in the Military for 4 years after they graduate to get tuition aid. Those who serve 4 years in the Military get Veterans Education Benefits and go on to Law School and Med School.

Americans' total credit card balance is $1.211 trillion as of the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the latest Federal Reserve data.

Americans owe $12.61 trillion on 85.10 million mortgages. That comes to an average of $148,120 per person with a mortgage on their credit report. Single Family Home Owners should be able to recoup this cost in rising home equity.

US consumers are swimming in debt.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader