There are multiple problems with this
First, only Tennessee and Virginia are required to break out athletic fees as definable line items. Many Colleges and Universities lump all "fees" in one category, and many others hide targeted monies through specific accounting schemes.
For example
Penn State. Fees are listed as only $882.00. However tuition is $15,562 for a total of 16,444. That would place them only below W&M in Va.
An example of great value, #7 on of Kiplinger's list of best values, is Maryland , with tuition and mandatory fees amounting to $9,427. This puts the Terps just above ODU (at $9.250)
Therefore, the only way to accurately compare various institutions is to use the "tuition + fees" totals. Some schools even list a very nebulous "other costs" category.
Even then, some colleges and universities keep their in-state costs down by "backloading" the out-of-state charges.
Any nationwide comparisons must include geography. as local cost-of-living will affect these costs somewhat.
And finally, and maybe most important;
costs at state institutions across the country are reflective of the amount of funding they receive from their respective states.
North Carolina institutions have a lower in-state tuition+fees total, but
Quote:More than half of North Carolina’s $20 billion budget supports education (public schools, community colleges and universities). Funding to support the 17-campus University of North Carolina system is nearly $2.5 billion or 12 percent of the overall state budget.
State appropriations and aid account for around 20 percent of UNC CH's $2.4 billion operating budget.
This Cox guy has simplified his argument and analysis to the point of being laughable.
JMU grad did you say?