Question

read the following excerpt.
others argue the reason higher education costs have increased is the accessibility of large government grants and loans such as pell grants and guaranteed student loans. these create an impression that students have ways to afford the costs and higher education institutions dont have much incentive to cut costs.
based on the excerpt, student loans contribute to higher college costs

by convincing colleges that students can afford the costs.

by convincing students that loans are always available.

by convincing colleges to loan money to students.

by convincing students to take out loans they do not need.

Explanation:

The excerpt says student loans/grants make colleges think students can afford costs, so colleges don't cut costs. Option 1 matches this (convincing colleges students can afford). Option 2 is about students thinking loans are available (not in excerpt). Option 3 is about colleges loaning money (excerpt is about govt loans/grants, not colleges loaning). Option 4 is about students taking unneeded loans (not in excerpt).

Answer:

A. by convincing colleges that students can afford the costs.