Why is Umich so expensive?

The University of Michigan (U-M) has seen a significant increase in tuition costs, primarily due to two interrelated factors: inflation and a long-term decrease in state funding. Over the years, particularly since 2001, the university has become increasingly dependent on tuition revenue as a means to compensate for the diminishing financial support from state appropriations. This decline in state funding has resulted in a situation where the university must raise tuition to maintain its operational budget and continue providing high-quality education and services to its students. As a result, the current level of state funding is notably lower than it was a decade ago, further exacerbating the financial burden on students and their families. Consequently, the rising tuition costs reflect not only the economic pressures of inflation but also the shifting landscape of public funding for higher education, which has placed a greater financial responsibility on students attending U-M.