Have paid school tuitions for 15 years now, pre-K to 12, and in 2nd year of college now. Some thoughts.. College is just like private K-12 - there is no set pr

Have paid school tuitions for 15 years now, pre-K to 12, and in 2nd year of college now. Some thoughts.. College is just like private K-12 - there is no set price, it's indexed to your income. They have to set a high list price so the wealthy can pay that and they aid those w less income. Don't forget about car and health insurance! Do every single aid and scholarship app you can find. Use the appeals process especially if you have extenuating circumstances. Read the rules carefully about which assets/income is relevant. If you're divorced (I am), read the rules carefully about income and asset reporting in those circumstances. It's not that you're paying for the credential, you're paying for the experience, education, and credential. Just the credential is the expensive part of it. Example, I've been a DJ (just for fun) for 30 years. Just saw an ad for DJ school. Even if they wanted to be a professional DJ (ok, if that's your dream), I'd NEVER pay for my kid to do it. There's a legit cost in educating anyone. But the credential is worthless. A university degree has some value. Of course, you can learn ANYTHING online for free. Anything. The credential is the expensive part of it. So make sure it's a credential with value. You may have to say NO to your kid(s). This is VERY tough. But weigh your options carefully as spending your entire retirement fund on college (mostly for the credential) is a dubious proposition.