When I went to Indiana University back in 1966, I think my parents paid about $11-13 per credit hour. And then there was the room and board part. I took it all for granted . . . and skipped class a lot of the time. It was the story of sort of smart girl goes to school and majors in stupid.

My attention was drawn to Dickinson College this morning and I figured I’d hop over to the site and see what they offered and how much it cost. You know, I really had to do some clicking to get to the amount of dollars part. First they presented a piece on the value of the Dickinson Experience and then I clicked on this tiny little spot at the top of the page where they actually listed what they call Cost of Attendance.

Brace yourself:

Cost of Attendance – 2010-11

Direct Cost of Attendance (standard fees for which the student is billed)*

Tuition and Student Activity Fees        $41,520
Room and Board                                              10,430
$51,950

Estimated Indirect Costs (estimated additional expenses that vary for each student)

Books                                                                  $1,000
Personal Expenses                                           1,500**
$2,500

Total Estimated Cost of Attendance $54,450

I didn’t do the bracing thing and was jerked upright in my seat. Well, in my mind at least. Wow. Imagine not going to class to that tune.