There’s inflation - no question. But I’d say much of the cost is location driven. Some are $12k and some $17k+ etc.
Many want to move off campus and in most, not all instances you can save. For example, my son had reasonable rent and a great location and saved over room and board at his large flagship. My daughter goes to a city school and her rent alone is more than room and board at school. She could get less but far from school.
You’ll see more and more colleges privatizing dorms - and they will have bond holders and will need to maximize revenues to ensure they are paid. And you’ll see dorms built in this arms race of nicer features - which also will add to price hikes. Same with food.
Published costs may not even be accurate because many want the primo rooms or dorms and not the basic ones.
I agree it’s ok to separate but you also need to know off campus costs for those where most only live on campus one year. And to look where the school is located.