Who pay for college?
Question:
Answer:
The estimated cost of 4 years of college in a public school, including room and board, is $130-150k (2006 dollars) per student assuming no scholarships. So 3 kids will amount to $400k. Some students go to 2 yrs of community college and then finish up the college (but more than 2 more years) and that will save about 50%.
While students can work, student aid, or loans, only a hand full can graduate without major debts.
The above numbers can give you an idea the burden on whoever is paying for 3 kids.
The kids pay for it themselves, sweetie. pure and simple. They get jobs, they work night, they study on weekends, just like the rest of us had to.....Education is forever. do it yourself
I wish somebody had to pay for college. Unless it's in the divorce decree, I don't think that either has to. My folks didn't pay squat for college, but made too much for me to get grants or scholorships. I joined the Army instead. Hoooah!
As a rule, most courts don't insist anyone pays for college. It is usually seen as the responsibility of the graduating adult who is 18 or 19 as a rule. However, in more and more divorce settlements, it is specified. Remember, you can put what you want in a divorcee decree,( I heard of one where the mother insisted the father pay for plastic surgery if the girls wanted it for their large noses) the judge usually agrees to it unless it is unfair or ridiculous.
Now, mom made sure you had college funds and gave up her share of marital assets. You are concerned that Dad is being stretched too thin, but mom doesn't want you to miss the "real" college experience.
I think you are being considerate. BUT What do you really want to do? If a community college is calling because you think it is a little more laid back and you aren't ready to leave home then explain to mom you can transfer in 2 years. If you want to go away, talk to Dad, tell him you will get the federal government low interest student loans, He doesn't have to pay them back until a time after you graduate. You can defer them for certain jobs or military service.
I think you can take care of you while being considerate of your father's cash flow.
Good Luck at college! Don't party too much!
If mom and dad made an arrangement for him to pay for college as he gave her nothing and he has everything...too bad for him, he made the deal and has everything from the marriage..he should pay for the kids education...she gave up alot to ensure your college to be paid for..let her have it her way this last time. After all she has done this for you.
If your mom had taken the settlement he would still be paying child support to her as long as you were a student until age 24 anyway..+half of college...so he would have had to pay either way.
And to add...since the house has been motgage free for 10+yrs, dad should have plenty of cashed saved for your education by now.
Pay for it yourself. Quit expecting handouts from your parents. They have enough on their plates, and this is the best time for you to become independent.
Financial aide, student loans, and part time jobs are all there for you. I did it, the same as millions of other students, and you can, too.
If she gave up her settlement so that your father would pay for the kids to go through college, she has the right to speak her mind on the issue, she's the one that sacrificed for you. If you choose community college because it's where you want to go, that's fine. But if you are shortchanging yourself due to sympathy for your father's predicament I can see why your mom would disagree. The agreement was made and he should stick to it, she did her part now it's his turn.
Who pays is determined by what is says in the custody/support papers. My ex husband pays my daughter's tuition, I pay for her books. If you want to go to community college to lessen the burde on your father your mother really has no say, you are over 18 and where you go to college is up to you.
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