U.S. Private College Tuition, Fees Rise Least in Four Decades

By Janet Lorin. Tuition and fees at private, non-profit U.S. colleges rose 3.6 percent in 2013-2014, the smallest increase in more than 40 years, as families struggle to afford college costs.
The increase was the lowest since at least the 1972-1973 year, according to data published today by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, collected from 510 schools.
Curbing the cost of college has become an issue for President Barack Obama, who in August called for a new way to link federal financial aid to a U.S. government rating system looking at college expenses and performance. Cost increases had declined to the mid-4 percent range over the past four years compared with almost 6 percent a year during the previous decade, according to the Washington trade group. More...