This isn't necessarily a nefarious thing. For example, Harvard is famous for its goal of tuition never being a blocker for someone attending. Therefore an increase in the sticker price doesn't affect many people outside high income and net worth individuals and families. This just shifts a higher percentage of the costs to the people who can actually afford it which is generally good. If you want me to be concerned about the tuition costs of these elite private schools, at least tell me the median tuition paid and not the amount paid by the ultra affluent.
Doctor billed: $1500 Insurance allowed: $125 Insurance paid: $75 Your copay: $50
Take a look at the list of Fortune 500 companies and notice how many are healthcare related. There is a reason it's never going to get better.
The second driver is the student loan system where the government has allowed special rules that make it almost impossible for lenders to lose. The lenders offer huge loans without regard for the ability to repay because they know they are protected.
https://www.amazon.com/Price-You-Pay-College-Financial/dp/00...