👉 The "tuition weapon" refers to the practice of using high tuition fees as a strategic tool by educational institutions, particularly private ones, to deter potential students and maintain exclusivity in their market. By significantly increasing the cost of education, these institutions aim to limit access to wealthier families and create a perception of elite status, thereby attracting students who value prestige and quality over affordability. This tactic can also serve as a barrier to entry, preventing lower-income students from enrolling and potentially reducing competition. However, critics argue that this practice can exacerbate educational inequality by making higher education less accessible to those who need it most.
