What a shocking difference. The state university would have cost over $2000. The college selected is a major factor. Colleges may ask the non-custodial parent to assist with college expenses. The majority refuse. This leaves the custodial parent with the responsibility. What a non-custodial parent may want to consider doing is help with the student loans after graduation. This will not hurt the child's chance for aid and yet assist greatly when repayments begin.

Don't rule out private colleges. One of our services is to screen colleges on the level in which they meet financial need. Quite often, a private school will cost less out of pocket than a state university. Some schools meet 40% of financial need and others up to 100%. Don't make the final decision before you have the award letters in your hands in April of the senior year. Quite often there are grandparents in the wings wanting to help. The best time to help is when the student graduates. Now grandparents can really make their funds count.