<p>I really do think that parents are under some obligation to contribute to college expense given the ridiculous pricing of college today AND more importantly, the fact that colleges consider parental income when determining the price the child will ultimately be required to pay. The child is really caught between a rock and a hard place otherwise - - they can’t take out the required loans nor earn the level of money needed to attend if the parents’ income dictates that they don’t qualify for much need based aid. A four year degree is almost mandatory now for a job (of course some talented people do get by without one, but it’s not easy).</p>
<p>We intend to pay for undergraduate education (including room/board) in its entirety for our two children . . .and we do not qualify for aid. We are fortunate to have the income to pay for public or private . . .our oldest will be going the private route, but our younger child is gravitating toward OOS public so that will be a significant price difference. We’ve saved 75% of what we need for the oldest. We’ll manage the remaining 25% out of current income. In about the same boat for the younger child. If he decides upon a private school, it will be a little trickier, but hopefully the oldest will be self sufficient upon graduation (fingers tightly crossed), freeing up some extra money. </p>
<p>I do think the college pricing is beyond ridiculous though, and I think it is perfectly reasonable to insist on the in-state public option if that’s what is affordable. But on some level, parents need to realize early on that a college education is becoming non negotiable, and it is important to have a plan of some sort for providing it without leaving your child drowning in debt.</p>