http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl?cost1=30&year1=1995&y...
$30k in 1995 is around $45k now adjusted for inflation.
One important factor to remember is that the cost of education has risen a lot (even in real terms) since the 90's. A student graduating today is way more likely to carry a substantial student debt so that money just doesn't go as far as it used to once you factor in wealth.