<p>My parents refused to contribute to my college costs so I took out loans and earned some scholarships. I attended a CUNY school and lived at home. At the time, I was bitter but life worked out as it should.</p>
<p>My DD got into some private and some state schools. I told her I would help her to the extent possible BUT I would not take out any parent loans because I have other children to send to college. My daughter opted for the state school that gave her money. She has gotten some FA, became an RA her second year, has a job and has earned scholarships from her school. So far, I have been able to pay the difference and she has not had to take out loans.</p>
<p>We left the decision to her but with full disclosure of financial parameters.</p>
<p>We are entering the college season with our next child. He’s a very different kid but is also money conscious. We are in a bracket where we would be pretty much full pay for Ivies and other top schools but because of our household situation, we can not pay anywhere near that. We have no college funds set up. He is thinking about an OOS public college.</p>