College Inflation verse General Inflation.
Over the previous 50 years college costs have increased by an average of 6.47% a year - nearly double general inflation (3.35%).
For the 2011-2012 academic year, the annual college inflation rate was 4.36%. With few exceptions, college inflation has steadily risen over the last 10 years.
The chart below illustrates college and general inflation rates. To download a college inflation table dating back to 1958, click here.
Quoted on the basis of an academic year. Inflation figures from Ibbotson Associates, Inc. College inflation figures 1958-70 from Digest of Education Statistics; 1971-2009 from the College Board.