<p>If your son is going to pursue a PhD program, rather than professional school such as a law, medical or MBA degree, than graduating debt free is less important since many PhD programs are funded. The actual 9 month cost of attending an elite private university hovers around $60,000 when including all costs. Feel free to PM me as, even though I don’t live in the Atlanta area, I am very familiar with the private & parochial schools there & with colleges & universities nationwide.</p>