"Legitimacy" is not really a factor when it comes to prices. Underlying production cost will put a floor on the price, absent subsidies, but the final dollar am

"Legitimacy" is not really a factor when it comes to prices. Underlying production cost will put a floor on the price, absent subsidies, but the final dollar amount offered to the customer is a response to supply and demand. Universities are charging more because people will pay more — easy up-front money through loans is part of the reason why.