College tuition

From The Courier-Journal of Louisville:

LEXINGTON - The University of Kentucky has proposed raising tuition by 9 percent next year, increasing the amount that incoming freshmen will pay each semester by $293, to $3,548. The total annual costs for tuition, housing, dining and mandatory fees would climb by $835, to $12,835, for 2007-08. The university noted that if its board of trustees approves the proposal, it will be the smallest - and first single-digit increase - in four years. A vote is set for Jan. 23.

I guess that last part is supposed to make people feel good. Rather than increases of 10 percent or more, let's just go 9 percent. Assume tuition was $1,000 per year four years ago. Then add 10 percent, 10 percent, 10 percent and 9 percent. Once it's compounded, you're talking $1,450.79.

I have a daughter in ninth grade. She's not talking about UK, but how is she supposed to afford higher education when it apparently does not exercise the same cost controls on itself that my employer exercises on her and her family?