I'm back... (but for how long?)

My higher-education research project kept me busy for a few days.
Lots of data - most available in Excel - from U.S. Dept of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau, and related sites.

Just in case you're curious: a person with a bachelor's degree makes 70%-75% more than a person with only a high school diploma. Professional degrees are worth more than Ph.D.s (at least in terms of income).

Surprise finding: Federal funding for student aid (grants, scholarships, loans) has increased under W.

Inflation has averaged about 3.5% per year since 1980. The cost of post-secondary education (tuition & fees) has increased at about 7.5% per year over the same period (current dollars). Federal aid to students has increased about 2.7% per year (current dollars).

Now you know.