Affordable higher education was once a hallmark of living Washington state — but no more. Sure, tuition will drop a bit in 2015-16, but so will funding for state financial aid. And even adjusted for inflation, the cost of tuition and fees has skyrocketed.
The Economic Opportunity Institute’s analysis of data gathered from WA LEAP, the WA Student Achievement Council, and the WA Office of Financial Management shows that between the 1980-81 and 2015-16 school year, tuition and fees increased by:
- 499% at University of Washington
- 507% at Washington State University
- 384% at Central, Eastern, Western and Evergreen
- 337% at Community and Technical Colleges
And keep in mind, this is using inflation adjusted (2014) dollars!
Without comprehensive tax reform to bring in new state revenue, college will remain far out of reach for too many.
More To Read
April 4, 2024
Is There a Valid Argument Against Cost-Free College in Washington?
Cost-free college is a meaningful investment that would change lives. What's stopping Washington from making it happen?
December 19, 2023
2024 Legislative Priorities
By strengthening the core pillars of our economy – including child care, health care, educational opportunity, economic security, and our public revenue system – we can diminish economic, racial, and gender inequity.
December 15, 2022
2023 Legislative Agenda
By strengthening the core pillars of our economy – including child care, health care, educational opportunity, economic security, and our public revenue system – we can diminish economic, racial, and gender inequity.