One study estimates the average cost of raising a child to the age of 17 for a middle-income family is about $310,605. As a point of comparison, the median home price in the U.S. was $417,700 at the end of 2023.1,2
If you want to add the cost of education to that number, you can expect to be paying an additional $24,030 a year for the cost of a public four-year in-state university.3
But before you throw your hands up in the air and send your child to look for a job, you might consider a few strategies to help you prepare for the cost of higher education.
Take advantage of time.
The time value of money is the concept that the money in your pocket today is worth more than the same amount will be worth tomorrow because it has more earning potential. If you put $100 a month toward your child’s college education, after 17 years’ time, you would have saved $20,400. But that same $100 a month would be worth over $32,000 if it had generated a hypothetical 5-percent annual rate of return. The bottom line is: the earlier you start, the more time you give your money the potential to grow.4
Stay Calm.
Every parent experiences this – one moment, you’re holding a little miracle in your arms, the next, you’re excitedly planning for play dates, piano lessons, and summer camp. While preparing for college expenses might seem challenging, take heart in knowing that many families receive valuable assistance through financial aid and scholarships. Although it’s hard to predict exactly how much aid and scholarships your student might receive, these resources can significantly enhance your savings and make college dreams a reality.
You can find scholarships from national and local businesses. Plus schools will often have scholarships your student can apply for throughout their time in school. Here at Arbor Financial, we give 10 member students in their last year of high school the chance to win $2,000 based on the strength of an essay. Learn about our yearly scholarship. Applying for scholarships like this can help your student with expenses. Learn tips for how to successfully apply for scholarships.
Weigh your choices.
There are a number of federally and state-sponsored, tax-advantaged college savings programs available. Some offer prepaid tuition plans, and others offer tax-deferred savings. Many such plans are state-sponsored, so the details will vary from one state to the next. A number of private colleges and universities now also offer prepaid tuition plans for their institutions. It pays to do your homework to find the vehicle that may work best for you.5
As a parent, you teach your children to dream big and believe in their ability to overcome any obstacle. By investing wisely, you can help tackle the financial obstacles of funding their higher education – and smooth the way for them to pursue their dreams.
Want to learn more about your options to save for your child's college expenses? Schedule an appointment to work with our Wealth Management expert Cory DenUyl!+
1. Investopedia.com, December 14, 2023
2. StLouisFed.org, 2024
3. CollegeBoard.com, 2023
4. The rate of return on investments will vary over time, particularly for longer-term investments. Investments that offer the potential for higher returns also carry a higher degree of risk. Actual results will fluctuate. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
5. The tax implications of education savings programs can vary significantly from state to state, and some plans may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Withdrawals from tax-advantaged education savings programs that are not used for education are subject to ordinary income taxes and may be subject to penalties.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2025 FMG Suite.
+Stocks, mutual funds and variable products are not suitable for all investors. Before making any purchases you should carefully read the prospectus and prospectuses for the underlying investment portfolio of variable products and other information about the investment company. In addition to carefully reviewing the prospectus you are advised to consider carefully the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the investment before investing. A prospectus may be obtained by contacting Arbor Financial Credit Union Wealth Management or directly from the mutual funds, insurance company, or offering entity. Securities offered through First Heartland Capital, Inc. Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered through First Heartland Consultants, Inc. Arbor Financial Wealth Management Services is not affiliated with First Heartland Capital, Inc. Securities offered through First Heartland Capital, Inc. are: not federally insured, subject to market risk including loss of principal, not obligations of, deposits of, or guaranteed by the Credit Union. Arbor Financial Wealth Management is located at 1551 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo.
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