The rising cost of attending universities in Michigan can be attributed primarily to two significant factors: inflation and a persistent decrease in state funding. Over the years, particularly since 2001, the University of Michigan has found itself increasingly dependent on tuition fees to compensate for the dwindling financial support from state appropriations. This shift has resulted in a situation where the proportion of funding received from the state has diminished considerably compared to a decade ago. As state budgets tighten and funding for higher education is reduced, universities are compelled to raise tuition rates to maintain their operational standards, invest in facilities, and provide quality education. Consequently, students and their families bear the brunt of these financial pressures, leading to the perception that attending Michigan universities has become prohibitively expensive.