Submitted by CU Alum, Sep 3, 2008 14:20

The statement that "in 1990, a degree from Columbia University cost $20,000 — $14,472 without room and board" is a bit misleading. That's what it cost to attend for one year, but it takes four years to earn a degree. The cost has increased by about 150% since then (which is bad enough), but the article suggests it has actually gone up by 900%. Most Columbia undergrads are on financial aid, and those from low- and middle-income families often pay no tuition at all. NYU has less financial aid to offer but still gives quite a bit to students from families with limited means. Families with limited means need to know that such aid is available and that they will actually pay far below "sticker price" if their children attend a school with generous financial aid programs.

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