Since President Bush took office, the average tuition at a four-year public college has increased by nearly $600.

Next year, tuition will increase to $17,210 from $15,300.

And since 1994, tuition for upperclassmen has increased only at the consumer price index level.

Over the last 15 years, average tuition increased 181.6 percent at state colleges, or about 7.1 percent a year.

The Governor's budget proposes limiting any new tuition increases to $250.

That's a much fairer way to support the university system than the present approach, imposing tuition increases across the board.

Despite a $60,000,000 endowment, Hopkins' tuition has increased substantially over recent years to fund new programs.

The more children leave, the more tuition must increase to sustain the school.

He proposed further tuition increases in 1996 and 1997, which were beaten back by the Legislature.

Like the state itself, it is facing financial pressures - in the last two years, tuition has increased 13 percent.