The Rise of College Tuition: Explained by Supply and Demand

1387 Words6 Pages
The law of supply and demand basically implies that if you cannot afford it, you don’t need it. Working from this principle, suppliers will supposedly charge an optimum price, one at which the market will bear, and the market will strive to reach equilibrium. Equilibrium is the price at which demand and supply are matched. However, certain non-fiscal determinates can inflate either supply, or demand and create a bubble in the market. In the case of college tuition, demand is driving up the cost. The two main factors inflating the demand for a college degree are perceived value and financial aid. Supply is defined as the amount of goods a market can produce. As the price of a good or service increases the quantity offered will increase because producers are willing to offer more products on the market at higher prices as a way of increasing profits. Because there are a finite number of colleges in the U.S., the market for colleges and universities is saturated. Supply is mostly constant so we are left with the demand side of the equation. The process starts with a consumers’ demand for a product. Demand is determined by the amount consumers are willing and able to pay. According to the principle of supply and demand, when demand is high, prices will rise. Consequently, if prices are too high, consumers will purchase less and demand will go unmet. To fully meet demand, suppliers must charge a price that will result in the required amount of sales while still generating profits for themselves. The number of freshman slots available has not been able to keep up with demand. Demand for a college degree is on the rise, despite the costs associated with obtaining that degree. Since 1982, the cost of a four year degree has increased by 530%; twice that of inflation. Inflation is increasing at around 3% per year and the average American household’s income is only
Open Document