If they know mom and dad are footing a 100k bill to goof off in college for 4-6 years, they are more likely to delay making the tough decisions about what their talents and interests are. In addition, they will tend to see college exclusively as a life experience instead of what it is supposed to be. That is, a combo of life experience, education and career prep.


Well stated. I have no issue and plan to save money for my kids' college educations, but I plan to make no promises. My parents (4 of them) paid for my undergrad, and I paid for graduate school so I feel some duty to help out my kids. However, when I completed my undergrad I worked hard to minimize costs for my parents by completing as many credits as possible in local community colleges during the summers, and working odd jobs to pay for misc expenses, car, food, books, etc.

I didn't mean to come across harsh in my comment, but worst case, the kids have to borrow to go to a local state school or borrow some portion of it. College costs vary from school to school. Here in California a state 4 year university costs $3300 per year plus your books. I believe in my home city of Houston, UofH is even cheaper. Most kids can then work to pay for their own room and board and misc. expenses.

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whyohwhyoh