Major factors causing tuition and other charges to rise faster than inflation are analyzed. Attention is directed to the effect of inflation on faculty salaries, federal need-based aid to private colleges, expenditures for capital equipment by state colleges, and state appropriations to higher education. Data are provided on average undergraduate student charges for tuition and fees and for room, board, and other expenses at public and independent colleges for 1977-1986. Projections for 1986-1989 are included. Data are included on annual percentage changes in student charges, faculty salaries, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and unemployment. Actual and projected rates of growth in undergraduate student charges, faculty salaries, the CPI, and the Higher Education Price Index are also provided for public and independent institutions during 1977-1989. Annual rates of increase in student charges peaked in 1981-1982; however, the decreased rate of growth in the CPI since 1979-1980 has been for more dramatic, with an increasing disadvantage for student costs. Between 1986 and 1988, total charges should grow at combined rates averaging 5 to 6 percent, with an estimated general inflation rate of 4.5%. It is suggested that the single key to slower growth in student charges is sustained low inflation rates. Two sources of information on average undergraduate student charges are identified: the National Center for Education Statistics, and the College Scholarship Service. (SW)