At a time of growing inflation, rising tuition costs in higher ed was a thing before it became trendy.

That’s not good because while wealthy and privileged have had an easier time keeping pace it’s a much more challenging investment for those seeking upward social mobility.

• At private colleges, average tuition for full-time students was $38,070. That doesn't count room and board, which would tack on another $13,600 – bringing a grand total of $51,600 in tuition.

• At public four-year colleges, the average tuition for in-state students is $10,740. After room and board, that comes out to just over $22,000.

• In community colleges, tuition costs have increased at a much slower pace – from $2,310 in 1990-91 to $3,800 in 20-21.

(All data from this essay are from “Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2021” published by College Board.)

Over 30 years, with community colleges as an exception, tuition has increased at a steady clip that has outpaced inflation and most family incomes.

• Tuition has nearly doubled for nonprofit private colleges from $19,360 to $38,070.

• It’s doubled and then some at public four-year colleges, from $4,160 to $10,740.

If you’re a student, college parent, data nerd or just curious, you can see how these tuition averages are further broken down here. There are also data trends on student financing, distance education enrollment, and racial/ethnic enrollment.

Income inequality is an important consideration. Families with the highest incomes have seen their incomes grow the fastest over the last 30 years – 57% – while the average income for families who are the lowest earners has increased by just 12%.

Here's what that means: families with the most money have been able to keep pace with the rising tuition costs while the poorer families have struggled to keep up. If a college degree is supposedly a gateway to the middle class, how can we reduce barriers to completion?