<p>Not quite true in NJ, Cpt. Here the law states that a divorced parent is obligated to contribute 50% of the tuition cost at NJ flagship college - i.e. Rutgers. Typically applied to the non-custodial parent (or even in the case of shared custody the more reluctant college tuition payer). In this case, it appears that each parent is being required to pay half, because they are divorced . My understanding is that college costs were not covered in their divorce agreement, since they divorced when the girl was very young. What is confusing is that the articles state they are required to pay $16,000 yet the tuition at Rutgers is $10,954 plus $2,859 in mandatory fees which comes to less than $14,000 not $16,000. </p>
<p>The NJ legislature is now looking into this and may change the law. While I think it is unfair to force the parents to pay just because they are divorced, I also think parents are obligated to pay something in accordance with their finances. As Jonri says, Fin Aid is based on parents income up to age 24. Not sure how a student would show they are completely independent for that purpose. I wonder if the parents continued to claim her as a dependent on their taxes. Wonder if that would make a difference. </p>