Final answer:
The necessity to raise tuition fees comes from the increasing operational costs of running universities, such as hiring qualified faculty and maintaining facilities. However, the steep rise in these fees over the years has outpaced median income growth, putting students under significant financial stress. The debate continues on how to strike a balance between the escalating costs and ensuring that higher education remains accessible.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question centers on whether tuition fees should be raised due to the rising costs of running universities, which include hiring good faculty, enhancing libraries, and maintaining laboratories. While it is true that the expenses associated with higher education have been increasing substantially over the years, the argument for raising tuition fees must be balanced against the financial burden such increases impose on students.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of tuition and fees at a 4-year public university went from $738 in 1980 to $9,349 in 2020, an increase that significantly outpaced the rise in median household income. Despite the necessity of a college education for many careers, the escalation in cost can funnel students into serious debt, affecting their immediate financial stability post-graduation. The challenge therefore lies in managing the sustainability and quality of higher education with its accessibility and affordability for students.
Instances like the University of California's furloughs, layoffs, and cutbacks during an economic squeeze highlight the tough decisions institutions face. Consequently, there is an ongoing debate about the role of government in financing higher education, and how to ensure that investing in human capital does not become prohibitive for the working class.