BYOBP is the classic case of financial suicide. They threw themselves into the situation by themselves. They had a great thing going. Then they chose to improve their product by building during a time of shifting demographics and economic environment. But, instead of waiting for the pledge money to cash, they chose to spend based on promises. That is financial suicide and it is very hard to drum up rachmanus for, especially with the economic situation.
Regarding tuition, tuition is an arbitrary figure meant to challenge the wealthy to step up.
Schar melamdim which is all required by halachah (not a benefit package, perks, etc.) is a fraction of tuition demanded. A rebbe and secular studies teacher combined salary is on average 45K. Divide that among the 20 students in class and you get a fee of $2,250 for tuition.