Paying for college is a big decision for many families. Some save for years, while others rely on financial aid, scholarships, or student loans. But what if parents can’t—or won’t—pay? Are they legally required to help, or is it a personal choice?

In this guide, you’ll learn about legal expectations, financial aid options, and alternative ways to pay for college. Whether you’re a parent deciding how much to contribute or a student looking for ways to cover costs, this article will help you find the best path forward.

Key Takeaways

  • Parents are not legally required to pay for college.
  • FAFSA considers parental income when calculating financial aid eligibility.
  • Divorce agreements may require parents to contribute to college costs.
  • Some states have laws that mandate college payments from divorced parents.
  • Many colleges offer tuition installment plans to spread out payments.
  • Scholarships and grants can help reduce the need for parental contributions.

Understanding College Costs in the USA

College is a big investment, and understanding the costs can help you plan better. The price of a degree goes beyond just tuition. You also have to consider housing, books, and other daily expenses. Knowing what to expect can make exploring financial aid, scholarships, and other ways to cut costs easier.

Tuition, Fees, and Other Expenses

College expenses can add up quickly. Here’s a breakdown of the major costs you’ll face:

  • Tuition & Fees: The main cost of attending college. Public universities charge an average of $10,940 per year for in-state students and $28,240 for out-of-state students. Private colleges are much higher, averaging $39,400 per year.
  • Room & Board: Living on campus adds another $12,310 to $14,030 per year, depending on the school. Off-campus housing may be cheaper, but costs vary by location.
  • Books & Supplies: Textbooks and materials can cost around $1,200 per year. Some students save money by renting or buying used books.
  • Personal Expenses & Transportation: Daily living costs, including food, entertainment, and travel, typically add another $2,000 to $4,000 per year.

These expenses vary by school and location, but understanding them can help you budget and explore ways to reduce costs.

Public vs. Private Colleges

One of the biggest factors in college costs is whether you attend a public or private school.

  • Public Colleges: These schools receive state funding, so they offer lower tuition for in-state students. The average tuition at a public four-year university is $10,940 per year for residents and $28,240 for out-of-state students.
  • Private Colleges: These schools rely on tuition and private funding, so they tend to be more expensive. The average cost is $38,270 per year, but many offer financial aid to reduce costs.

While private schools often have higher tuition, they sometimes provide generous scholarships. Public universities, on the other hand, can be much more affordable, especially for in-state students. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best option for your budget.

Do Parents Have to Pay for College?

Paying for college is a major financial decision for many families. Some parents cover all the costs, while others expect their children to take on student loans or work to pay for their education. But do parents have a legal responsibility to pay for college? While no federal law requires parents to cover tuition, certain situations, like divorce agreements or state laws, can impact financial responsibility.

Are Parents Legally Required to Pay for College?

In most cases, parents are not legally required to pay for their child’s college education. Unlike K-12 education, which is mandatory and publicly funded, higher education is considered a personal choice. Parents are not legally obligated to cover tuition, fees, living, or any other hidden expenses.

However, there’s a catch—financial aid rules assume parents will contribute. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) calculates financial aid eligibility based on parental income. This means that if your parents refuse to pay, you may not qualify for need-based aid unless you meet FAFSA’s strict criteria for being an independent student. This usually requires being 24 years old, married, a veteran, or having dependents of your own.

If parents choose not to help, students may have to rely on scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study programs to afford college.

How Divorce and Custody Agreements Affect College Payments

Divorce can make paying for college more complicated. Some divorce agreements include college cost provisions, requiring one or both parents to contribute. Whether a parent has to pay depends on the terms of their divorce settlement.

Here’s how it typically works:

  • If a divorce agreement includes a clause about college expenses, the parent is legally bound to follow it.
  • Some child support agreements require payments to continue through college, depending on the state.
  • FAFSA usually considers the income of the custodial parent (the one the student lives with most). At the same time, the CSS Profile (used by some private colleges) may require financial information from both parents.

State Laws on Parental Responsibility for College Costs

While most states do not require parents to pay for college, a few have laws that can mandate financial support in certain cases, especially for divorced parents.

States where courts may order a parent to contribute to college costs include:

  • New Jersey: Courts can require parents to help with tuition if the student is financially dependent.
  • Illinois: Judges may order divorced parents to pay for tuition, books, and living expenses.
  • Massachusetts: Child support can be extended beyond the age of 18 to cover college expenses.
  • Indiana: Courts may require non-custodial parents to contribute if a request is filed before the child turns 19.

If you live in one of these states and your parents are divorced, they may be legally obligated to help pay for college. However, laws vary, and enforcement depends on individual cases.

How Much Do Parents Typically Pay for College?

How much a parent pays depends on income, savings, and financial aid eligibility. Most colleges expect parents to help with expenses, but not all families can afford to. 

FAFSA and Expected Family Contribution

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in figuring out how much financial aid a student can get. FAFSA calculates the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which estimates how much a family is expected to contribute toward college costs.

Here’s how it works:

  • The EFC is based on parental income, assets, household size, and the number of children in college.
  • Colleges use this number to determine need-based financial aid eligibility.
  • A lower EFC means a student qualifies for more grants and subsidized loans. A higher EFC means they may receive less aid.

However, the EFC is just an estimate. Parents are not legally required to pay this amount, and many contribute far less—or nothing at all. If parents can’t cover the full EFC, students often have to take out loans, work part-time, or find additional scholarships.

What Percentage of College Costs Do Parents Cover?

On average, parents pay for about 43% of college costs. This money comes from savings (29%) and parent income (14%), while student loans, scholarships, and grants cover the rest.

Some families pay more or less depending on financial circumstances. Wealthier families often cover a larger portion of costs, while lower-income families rely more on financial aid. If parents can not or do not contribute, students have options like federal loans, work-study programs, and merit-based scholarships to help cover expenses.

How Parents Can Reduce College Costs

Parents are not obligated to cover the full cost of college alone. There are plenty of ways to lower expenses and make higher education more affordable. Scholarships, financial aid, student loans, and work opportunities can all help lighten the financial burden.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are the best ways to reduce college costs because they do not need to be repaid. Students can qualify for this “free money” based on merit, financial need, or special talents.

Where to find scholarships and grants:

  • Federal Grants: The Pell Grant offers up to $7,395 per year (as of 2023) for students with financial need. Other grants, like the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), provide additional aid.
  • State Grants: Many states offer grants to residents who attend in-state colleges. Check your state’s financial aid programs for eligibility.
  • Institutional Scholarships: Colleges often offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. Some cover partial tuition, while others provide full-ride scholarships.
  • Private Scholarships: Organizations, nonprofits, and businesses award scholarships based on academic achievement, community service, and unique skills. Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and the College Board help students find opportunities.

Federal and Private Student Loans

If scholarships and grants don’t cover all expenses, student loans can help fill the gap. While borrowing money isn’t ideal, federal student loans offer better terms and protections than private loans.

The Direct subsidized loan is the best option for students with financial needs because the government covers the interest while they’re in school. The Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available to all students, but interest accrues immediately.

On the other hand, private student loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders. They require a credit check and often need a parent co-signer. These loans have comparatively higher interest rates and fewer repayment options. 

Work-Study and Part-Time Jobs for Students

Working while in college is another way to save money. Work-study programs let students earn money during classes. Many students also find jobs that fit their schedules, earning money and gaining experience. You should:

  • Ask your college’s financial aid office about work-study.
  • Find jobs with flexible hours.
  • Think about internships for extra benefits.

How Families Can Prepare for College Expenses

Preparing for college expenses needs careful planning and smart money management. Start by making a detailed budget for all education costs. These include tuition, books, living expenses, and personal costs. A good budget helps you see where you need to cut back and set spending limits.

Using tax-advantaged college savings, like 529 plans, is a smart move. These accounts grow your money without taxes if used for education. It’s important to talk about money with your family. Knowing about money helps you make better choices and get more financial help.

Looking for all financial aid options is key. Go to workshops and use online resources for financial planning. Schools can tell you about federal aid, grants, and scholarships. Knowing about these can help lower your costs.

By being proactive, families can prepare well for college costs. Being financially ready makes the college transition smoother and helps your child have a better experience.

Conclusion

Paying for college is a big decision, and every family approaches it differently. While parents aren’t legally required to cover tuition, financial aid rules often assume they will contribute. Some parents pay for everything, while others expect their children to take on loans, work, or secure scholarships.

No matter your situation, planning ahead is key. Explore scholarships, apply for grants, and consider work-study opportunities to reduce expenses. Open conversations between parents and students can also help set clear expectations and create a financial strategy that works for everyone.

About College Journey

Paying for college is a major decision, but figuring out how to afford it does not have to be stressful. College Journey is here to help you navigate every step of the process, from understanding financial aid options to exploring scholarships and smart budgeting strategies. With Alice, your AI-powered college counselor, you will get clear, personalized guidance on how to make college more affordable.

Need help comparing schools based on cost? Wondering how financial aid works? Looking for strategies to reduce student loan debt? Alice has the answers. With tools that track your progress, offer college comparisons, and provide expert insights, College Journey makes planning for college easier and more accessible.

The best part? It’s completely free to sign up. 

FAQ

What can students do if their parents refuse to pay for college?

Students can apply for scholarships, grants, and federal student loans or look into work-study programs. Some private lenders offer loans based on student income or credit history.

Is community college a good way to save money?

Community colleges are much cheaper than four-year universities. Many students complete their general education courses at a community college and then transfer to a university to save thousands on tuition.

Can parents take out loans to pay for their child’s college?

Yes, parents can apply for Parent PLUS Loans or private loans, but they should consider the interest rates and repayment terms before borrowing.

What happens if a student can’t afford out-of-state tuition?

Students can look for reciprocity agreements, which allow them to pay reduced tuition in certain states or apply for merit-based scholarships that lower costs.

Do colleges offer payment plans to help with tuition?

Many colleges offer tuition installment plans, allowing families to pay tuition in smaller monthly payments instead of a lump sum.