Tuition in 1989

[MUEng92]

I was having a discussion this morning with a coworker about scholarships and it turned to how much tuition was when we were in college.  For some reason the number $7,000 sticks in my head but to be honest, I am questioning if it could have been that low.

Any of you medium-old timers remember what the tuition was around 1989?

[lurch91]

Annual or per semester?  Including housing?

[BrewCity83]

I graduated in 1983 and I believe it was about $2500 per semester (tuition only) at that time.  About $20K total for the 4-year degree.

[lurch91]

The only thing I remember is that my MU tuition was half what my brother paid to be a Domer.

[MUEng92]

Annual or per semester?  Including housing?

We were talking in annual terms.  I guess we were ignoring housing (at least I was).

[GGGG]

We were talking in annual terms.  I guess we were ignoring housing (at least I was).

Then you are pretty much spot on.  (Class of '91)

[77ncaachamps]

I think it was $11-12k in 1993.

[Jay Bee]

I think it was $11-12k in 1993.

  Sounds right.  And up to about $14k and change by 96-97. 

[mu_hilltopper]

I remember sometime during my years '87-91, there was a popular t-shirt .. something about Marquette - 4 year party, $40k cover charge.

Amazing that $40k now would only cover one year.

[mu_hilltopper]

Sir Larry sent me this from one of his co-workers:

[reinko]

Looking back, my 25K a year in 1999-2003 wasn't too bad at all.

[77ncaachamps]

I know my Jesuit HS alma mater uses a 5% tuition increase yearly.

MU's must've been closer to 10% yearly.

[Tom Crean's Tanning Bed]

When I started in 2001, tuition was about $18K a year.  This year, when I came back part-time, it was about $28K for full-time undegraduates. 

I can't imagine what it's going to be like in about 10 years.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

When I started in 2001, tuition was about $18K a year.  This year, when I came back part-time, it was about $28K for full-time undegraduates. 

I can't imagine what it's going to be like in about 10 years.

projections for my 2 year old is $311k for 4 years.  my $3000 a year edvest contributions ain't gonna cut it.  kid better get mom's brains.

[muwarrior69]

When I graduated in 1969 my parents spent 12,000 for all 4 years and thought that was outrageous! We spent about 35,000 for my daughters 4 years (2 years community college and 2 year at Rider University). Obama wants to control healthcare costs and then looks the other way when it comes to getting a college education; while both are increasing faster than the general cost of living. Just one of my pet peeves.

[Robyrd5]

projections for my 2 year old is $311k for 4 years.  my $3000 a year edvest contributions ain't gonna cut it.  kid better get mom's brains.

And to think I was feeling sorry for myself for my tuition for the last four years. This puts it into perspective.

[mu_hilltopper]

I remember in .. about 1985, my dad had 3 daughters in college at the same time, and remember him saying how he was spending $25k that year.

Amazing that wouldn't buy one full year at MU now, let alone 3.

[TJ]

projections for my 2 year old is $311k for 4 years.  my $3000 a year edvest contributions ain't gonna cut it.  kid better get mom's brains.

I think something has got to give at some point in the next 15 years.  College tuition will outpace the actual value of the education at some point (if it hasn't already), demand will decrease, and prices will come down somewhat, though still will be outrageously expensive.

Otherwise I hope my future kids understand that getting a job out of high school is nothing to be ashamed of. 

[lurch91]

I think something has got to give at some point in the next 15 years.  College tuition will outpace the actual value of the education at some point (if it hasn't already), demand will decrease, and prices will come down somewhat, though still will be outrageously expensive.

Otherwise I hope my future kids understand that getting a job out of high school is nothing to be ashamed of.  

Private college tuition will outpace the actual value of the education.  In-state public universities still seem to be a value (in comparison to private costs).

[THEGYMBAR]

I predict over the next five years you will see a reduction in both tuition and enrollment numbers at a fair amount of private schools. Over the past decade a ton of tuition was paid by home equity loans, grandparents and parents. In this economy grandpa's wallet is thinner, home equity is tougher to get a Dad is starting to worry he will work to 80.

I have two college aged sons and they have been told repeatedly that saving before they have kids is almost a must today. My wife and I recently discussed finances and where the money goes. Four kids in private schools has taken the lion share of our income. Great investment but giving the kid a 100K on graduation day might be a better one.

[mu_hilltopper]

I predict over the next five years you will see a reduction in both tuition and enrollment numbers at a fair amount of private schools.

I agree on all your other points, but there will be no "reduction in tuition."  Not a chance.   Honestly, I really believe the people running most private colleges are just deaf to the idea that their product is just way way way too expensive, and just want to throw more grants and loans at the problem.

Honestly, if I were on MU's board of Trustees, I'd be acting as if the house was on fire.  The mission of educating people is not served if they leave with 6 figure debt loads.

[GGGG]

I have said this before, but the goal these colleges have is to mark it up and give 90% of the people some sort of "Presidential Scholarship" or something like that to get it into a fairly decent range.  Basically what they are trying to do is give a discount to the "best and brightest," but if the not so best and brightest want to pay more...well...hell why not?

With Marquette having huge jumps in both applicants and attendance, it is hard to blame them.