Paul Schumer and Jim$$ Miller, two analysts at a research$$ institute, discuss the rising costs of higher education in their country. Paul feels that escalating tuition fees in colleges and universities are indicative of a bubble in the higher education market. According to$$ Jim, however, the rising costs are the result of better quality education being provided by the institutions in recent years.

Which of the$$ following, if$$ true, will strengthen$$ Jim's claim?