30 Issues | A History of College Tuition (and Debt)

For a long time, college was intended for American’s elite. It wasn’t until the 20th century that higher education became more accessible to the masses. Ironically, this was when prices began to rise.

Hear a quick audio tour of the history of college tuition and debt.

Then, John Thelin, a professor at the University of Kentucky and author of A History of American Higher Education (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011), looks at the history of college's rising cost, and those who have fought for tuition free public education.

#30Issues fast facts:
-Student debt tripled in last decade
-Ed-related debt surpasses credit card
~44 million Americans owe college debt

— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) May 25, 2016