My theory is that increases in tuition aren't immediately felt by students because we've come to a point where everyone is comfortable getting a student loan.

My theory is that increases in tuition aren't immediately felt by students because we've come to a point where everyone is comfortable getting a student loan. Since you don't start paying on the loan right away the effect of the borrowing isn't immediately felt. This makes students more amenable to a frame of mind of just accepting tuition increases.