Why were priests near the top of the social hierarchy in both Mesopotamia and Egypt?

Marcel is nearing graduation. he just met with his counselor and she showed him this information. marcel's college costs & payment options per year costs methods of payment tuition & fees grants & scholarships $12,500 $6,500 room & board work-study $8,200 $9,800 if he pays the balance with a student loan, how much will he need to borrow for his first year? $4,400 $6,000 $10,900 $14,200