The cost of higher education left the American public with a trillion dollars in student debt. The cost of college in the United States and around the world has been borne by the consumer. Overall debt levels more than doubled between 2000 and 2011 for more than 500 Moody's-rated institutions, according to inflation-adjusted data (Martin). University spending is out of control and students are suffering the consequences. As tuition fees continue to rise, along with the cost of books and housing, college may not be affordable in the country.