11-29-2012, 09:53 PM
I'm not sure what to make of the spending numbers on the government spending website you linked. I narrowed down to California since I am most familiar with the UC system, and compared 1992 when I attended and 2012. The data shows that education spending with a 1% larger share but it also showed health care with a 2% smaller share in 1992 compared to now. So if we conclude that we are spending the same on education for less effect I guess we also conclude that rising health care costs aren't an issue?
Comparing my 1992 UCBerkeley tuition to the current value I see a difference of $2,800 to $11,200 (maybe more, I'm not sure what fees were included in the first number that aren't in the 2nd) That doesn't include dorm living or anything else. I doubt the dorm rooms are that much better now. I had the essentials (by which I mean good internet access.)
I get that big government institutions are inefficient, but the UC system has been plugging along since 1868. If the fastest increasing cost is health care costs for employees (which doesn't surprise me as I've also read that elsewhere) then isn't that less of an example of mounting inefficiency than an example of spending more on health care and less on actual education?
I agree that a 4 year college education isn't for everyone, but given the increased earning power it gives it's a good idea for a lot of people. I agree that there are many issues with K-12 education, but in my generation people who did make it through and qualify had an affordable world class college experience waiting for them. It was a great system for me and a lot of people like me and I hate seeing it become less accessible.
Quote:Tuition rate changes are complicated as you say. The average discount rate is running about 35% now (meaning hardly anyone pays the sticker price). Then you have additional stuff they didn't have 50 years ago, like comfortable dorm rooms. Technology. Security. More co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. And, the fastest rising cost for the past 30 years has been... health care costs for employees. We've managed to hold the line to between 3-6%, which over time has made us more affordable compared to our peers.
Comparing my 1992 UCBerkeley tuition to the current value I see a difference of $2,800 to $11,200 (maybe more, I'm not sure what fees were included in the first number that aren't in the 2nd) That doesn't include dorm living or anything else. I doubt the dorm rooms are that much better now. I had the essentials (by which I mean good internet access.)
I get that big government institutions are inefficient, but the UC system has been plugging along since 1868. If the fastest increasing cost is health care costs for employees (which doesn't surprise me as I've also read that elsewhere) then isn't that less of an example of mounting inefficiency than an example of spending more on health care and less on actual education?
I agree that a 4 year college education isn't for everyone, but given the increased earning power it gives it's a good idea for a lot of people. I agree that there are many issues with K-12 education, but in my generation people who did make it through and qualify had an affordable world class college experience waiting for them. It was a great system for me and a lot of people like me and I hate seeing it become less accessible.