$100,000-a-year to go to college? Elite American schools cross the Rubicon as more students think twice about higher ed (opens original article in a new tab)

Elite U.S. universities are reaching $100,000 annual costs for students, though most pay less due to financial aid, as enrollment declines and student debt rises.

• At least 16 U.S. universities now have a combined cost of over $100,000 for a single academic year including tuition, fees, and housing.
• Most students do not pay the full sticker price as institutions offer significant financial aid discounts, with average discount rates around 50%.
• College enrollment has declined by 15% between 2010 and 2021, with 60 institutions closing annually, driven by demographic shifts and economic factors.
• Student loan debt in the U.S. exceeds $1.6 trillion, with 43 million borrowers, prompting public skepticism about the value of a four-year degree.