The Sky Rocketing Costs of a College Education is Bankrupting the Middle Class

Four years of college can cost anywhere from $80,000 to $200,000 for one child. Most families are having at least two children so the expenses may double. The average cost of college continues to grow at 7 to 8%, so the numbers are big and always seems to be getting bigger.

There are some creative ways to mitigate student debt, which is at an alarming 1.2 trillion dollars in the U.S. Some high schools have partnered with junior colleges to support associate degrees at no cost to mom and dad. So in affect they are graduating from high school and receiving an associate’s degree at the same time at no additional expense. That’s two years of savings on tuition, room and board! Some students enter the military ROTC programs in college or enlist immediately out of college into the service. The government has programs for both scenarios that can greatly reduce college costs.

Some students stay home for their first two years and go to their local community college while working a part time job, resulting in a low cost option for those two years. If your child chooses this option he must be sure the community college credits are accepted at the transfer school he attends for the last two years of his degree. Others stay at home and work a few years while deciding on their major and save their earnings for attending school in their mid twenties when they’ve matured and earned work experience.  It’s surprising what a bit of real life employment can do to change the mindset of an inexperienced young adult.

These are just a few of the ways to manage the cost of an education. But if those scenarios don’t fit your pans or lifestyle, you’re going to have to learn the art of financial aid in order to acquire scholarships, grants, endowments and/or secure loans.  It’s your life. It’s your time. It’s your money.

^{John McDonough has contributed to this press release. Segments in part or whole are from his publications.}