Why are higher education costs rising?

The answer, according to Felix, is pretty obvious really.

First it isn't because of Professor's salaries!  As Felix points out the real culprit causing higher tuition is smaller state subsidies.   Case in point, my own institution has responded to continued cuts in state support by increasing in tuition.

While there is plenty of evidence of some administrative bloat in higher education, I think what we are observing is a move towards a more tuition supported model.