How could such a situation develop in
one of the most advanced countries in
the world?

The answer is quite simple, the Country is Advanced but the people aren't. if your referring to the Pandemic that's going on in the world Its cause the people like to feel like their Immune from the virus, if they didn't go out to parties the Coronavirus Rate would drop. Giving us time to proceed on making a vaccine for People and save a whole bunch of lifes

the cost of college has risen faster than inflation for many years.

the high price of student services and administration are two reasons for the rapid increase in cost.