Capping student loans would definitely be a positive first step in the process. A study conducted by the federal reserve bank of NY found that:
"We find apass-through effect on tuition of changes in subsidized loan maximums of about 60cents onthe dollar, and smaller but positive effects for unsubsidized federal loans. The subsidized loaneffect is most pronounced for more expensive degrees, those offered by private institutions, andfor two-year or vocational programs"
"We find apass-through effect on tuition of changes in subsidized loan maximums of about 60cents onthe dollar, and smaller but positive effects for unsubsidized federal loans. The subsidized loaneffect is most pronounced for more expensive degrees, those offered by private institutions, andfor two-year or vocational programs"
http://www.newyorkfed.org/research/staff_reports/sr733.pdf