How can I afford to send my daughter to college?

Asked by: Jazmyn Auer  |  Last update: July 16, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (61 votes)

Options for When You Can't Afford Your Child's College
  1. Complete the FAFSA.
  2. Speak With the Financial Aid Office.
  3. Think About a Part-Time Job.
  4. Consider a Gap Year.
  5. Weigh a Less-Expensive College.

How do parents afford to send kids to college?

Talk about what colleges and universities your child will be able to afford on that budget, including room and board and books. Point them to resources like grants, scholarships, work-study, part-or full-time jobs, federal loans, and private loans to finance it. Research the costs and benefits to each option.

What do I do if I can't afford to send my child to college?

Grants, work-study funds, loans, and scholarships help make college or career school affordable. Financial aid can come from federal, state, school, and private sources to help you pay for college or career school. Learn more about the different types of financial aid.

What is the average cost of sending a child to college?

The average cost of attendance for a student living on campus at an in-state public 4-year institution is $27,146 per year or $108,584 over 4 years. Out-of-state students pay $45,708 per year or $182,832 over 4 years. Private, nonprofit university students pay $58,628 per year or $234,512 over 4 years.

How to pay for college when parents can't afford it?

There is something called a Parent PLUS loan, which is essentially a low interest government loan that your parents take out on your behalf to pay for your tuition. That can often supplement the difference needed. That being said it was not a lot each semester, certainly not close to the deficit you are running.

My Daughter Only Wants To Go To The Expensive College

31 related questions found

Do parents who make $120000 still qualify for FAFSA?

There is no set income limit for eligibility to qualify for financial aid through. You'll need to fill out the FAFSA every year to see what you qualify for at your college. It's important to make sure you fill out the FAFSA as quickly as possible once it opens for the following school year.

How do most parents pay for college?

Most families pay for college using some combination of savings, income and financial aid. Financial aid is money you receive to help cover college costs. Some financial aid, like grants and scholarships, doesn't need to be repaid. Financial aid can also come in the form of loans — money you have to repay.

How do average families pay for college?

While the net price of college after factoring in financial aid is generally lower than the “sticker price,” college costs still have increased in recent decades. Middle-and upper-income families tend to cover rising college costs by tapping into parental income and savings, in addition to taking on more parental loans.

What is the best college fund for a child?

A 529 plan is a great way to save for your little one's education, but it isn't the only way. You could put some of your college savings in a 529, some in a traditional savings account, and sprinkle a little more into a Roth IRA.

How to pay for your child's college tuition?

College Costs and Why It's Worth It
  1. Start Saving Early with a 529 Plan.
  2. Coverdell Education Accounts and Prepaid Tuition.
  3. Fill Out a FAFSA form.
  4. Find a Scholarship.
  5. Alternative Sources for Money for College.
  6. Take Out a Parent PLUS Loan.
  7. Make Your Child Pay.
  8. College Costs and Why It's Worth It.

How to go to college if you can't afford it?

But if your financial aid package isn't enough to cover your full cost of attendance, use these seven tips to get money for college fast.
  1. Submit an appeal. ...
  2. Ask about tuition payment plans. ...
  3. Search for independent scholarships and grants. ...
  4. Crowdfund your education costs. ...
  5. Discuss parent PLUS loans with your family.

How many kids don t go to college because they can t afford it?

Three years after high school, 58 percent of students who thought their family could afford to send them to college (“afforders”) were enrolled in college. Only 38 percent of students who thought their family could not afford to send them to college (“non-afforders”) were enrolled.

Does FAFSA reduce tuition?

The financial aid awarded based on the FAFSA can be used to pay for the college's full cost of attendance, which includes tuition and fees. While it is possible for student financial aid to cover full tuition, in practice it will fall short.

What if my parents can't afford to send me to college?

You have multiple options to consider, including federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, a job and student loans. Although paying for college by yourself is a huge financial undertaking, it's possible with enough research, hard work and planning.

Is college tuition based on parents' income?

The FAFSA formula doesn't expect students or families to use all of their adjusted available income to pay for college. The formula allocates 50 percent of a dependent student's adjusted available income to cover college expenses and anywhere from 22 to 47 percent of parents' available income.

How to send your child to college without money?

Once again, here's our list of steps for how to pay for college with no money:
  1. Apply for scholarships.
  2. Apply for in-state public college.
  3. Look into filling out the FAFSA as an independent student.
  4. Apply to need-blind schools that meet 100% of demonstrated need.
  5. Get a work-study or campus job.
  6. Make a strong budget.

What happens to 529 if kid doesn't go to college?

If your child decides not to attend college, the funds can be used at any eligible educational institution offering higher education beyond high school, including some overseas, trade or vocational schools eligible to participate in a student aid program run by the U.S. Department of Education.

Does 529 hurt financial aid?

Yes, 529 plans owned by parents or students count as assets for financial aid, possibly reducing need-based aid. Withdrawals from grandparent-owned plans don't affect aid but are considered student income.

How do most parents pay for kids college?

Key takeaways. 77% of parents cover a portion of their child's college costs using savings and income. 18% of parents rely on borrowed funds to cover college expenses. On average, parents of undergraduate students chip in about $13,000 per school year.

Are FAFSA loans worth it?

And while loans need to be repaid, with interest, they are considered financial aid. These programs are made available to students, and typically offer lower interest rates than other types of loan programs. But remember, if you're going to borrow money, make sure you know what you're signing up for.

How do people afford to send their kids to college?

College Tuition Funding Sources

The average family uses a few – or all – of the following to pay for college: Scholarships and Grants – Free money that does not have to be paid back. Financial Aid – Distributed by the government and/or colleges and comes in the form of grants, work study, or student loans.

What states make parents pay for college?

There are some states (Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, and Washington) that give ...

How do I afford college for my child?

Tips to help your family pay for college
  1. Use savings, scholarships, and grants. Savings. ...
  2. Take advantage of federal student loans. If your family needs to borrow money for college, borrow from the federal government before exploring private student loans. ...
  3. If you still need money, consider a private student loan.

Do colleges look at parents income?

The primary and most important reason colleges collect information on your parents' income is to determine your financial need. Your family's financial situation plays a significant role in the financial aid you may receive.