The number of Albertans who think higher education remains affordable has fallen sharply over the last two years, according to survey results released by provincial officials.

In 2001, 75 per cent of Albertans polled said a post-secondary degree was within the means of most Albertans. Last year, 63 per cent thought so. This year, only 52 per cent agreed.

The province's Learning Minister, Lyle Oberg, called the results "alarming," arguing people have a misconception about how much university costs. He also said the province has to reexamine its communications strategy on post-secondary tuition fees.

"We need to get more information out there about what the actual costs are of going to universities," he said.

According to Statistics Canada, average university tuition fees in Alberta have increased by 28 per cent since 1998, and by 103 per cent since 1993. A student paid an average yearly tuition of $2,209 in 1993. This year, that average was $4,487.

Mat Brechtel, student union president at the University of Alberta, said the survey shows "we're finally hitting the crisis point."

The poll results were released in mid-August in Alberta Learning's draft annual report.