Both the NY Times and the Washington Post are reporting on the rise of college tuition in both private and public institutions.  Reportedly, the average costs have increase more than 6% over last year.  However, an increase in student financial aid is helping to keep those increasing costs in check. There may be some small indications of an improving economy but, for the majority of Americans, the crisis is worse than ever.  As companies and corporations scale-back their programs, contributing to the growing number of unemployed, it is more important now, more than ever, to be highly qualified for the job field.  The number of available positions is severely limited so it behooves the applicant to have been trained and educated in such a way that employment is guaranteed.  However, because of the contining rising costs of higher education, this may become less and less possible. Yes, education is for sale in our country.  But who can afford it?  Certainly not the average working-class family.  It's a gamble.  Will there be a job available that pays enough to cover the debt I will incur by attending a four-year college?  If I don't attend now, will prices only continue to increase?  Is there a future hope of a buy one/get one option for families with multiple college -aged children?