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The cost of making them is surely getting lower, in accordance with Moore's Law.

I would assume the price remains the same because they have little competition (almost a pseudo monopoly - it seems like they're the only one because their brand is so powerful) and a lot of demand.

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I would think that if someone manufactured a similar product which costs $15, the TI brand name wouldn't compensate for the price difference.

Perhaps it's a complex product and teachers won't switch products because they've invested so much into learning how to use the TI? And teachers decide what calculators are required for a given class? Maybe a competitor would have to get to the teachers first and convince them to use a cheaper alternative.

Another possibility: perhaps TI has some vital patents?

It might be worth paying some extra for TI because the UI is consistent with what your peers, textbooks and teacher uses.

I know many of my classes required that I own and use a TI throughout high school. Other types of calculators where not allowed.

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