As the summary by the BLS states:"From January 2006 to July 2016, the Consumer Price Index for college tuition and fees increased 63 percent, compared with an increase of 21 percent for all items. Over that period, consumer prices for college textbooks increased 88 percent and housing at school (excluding board) increased 51 percent."

It's no secret that college is expensive and, while community college is less expensive than two years at a university, this isn't much comfort for those who have to take out loans or pay out of pocket.

A few questions to consider. Feel free to answer all or just one:

1) According to multiple sources, "Americans owe over $1.4 trillion in student loan debt...that's about $620 billion more than the total U.S. credit card debt...the average class of 2016 graduate has $37,172 in student loan debt" (SLH). What potential problems does this pose? What, if anything, should be done about this and by whom?

2) What motivated you to go to college and do you think that it will be worth the investment?

3) What should Americans consider before applying to college?