How Inflation Squeezes College Tuition More Than Tuition

Lucas and Luna examine how inflation reshapes the economics of higher education more powerfully than published tuition hikes. With the CPI at 332.4 and core CPI at 335.4 in April 2026, they break down why the real cost of college has grown 22% faster than tuition alone over the past decade. Using data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the College Board, they explain the hidden inflation in room, board, and fees, and how families can protect purchasing power through 529 plans, prepaid tuition, and scholarship timing. Plus, they connect the small-cap surge in the Russell 2000 to university endowment returns. A practical episode for anyone writing tuition checks or advising students. #CollegeTuition #Inflation #HigherEducation #PersonalFinance #PurchasingPower #529Plan #PrepaidTuition #CPI #CoreCPI #Russell2000 #Endowment #CollegeCosts #FinancialAid #Scholarships #RoomAndBoard #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo