Saving vs. Borrowing

Previous generations have funded higher education by taking out student loans. However, as tuition increases, student loan balances are increasing too. The amount of debt graduates accumulate can play a significant role in how soon they are able to pursue major life goals.

By saving for college early, students may be able to borrow less for their degrees. After graduation, this can help free up income for other life goals, such as buying a new home or saving for retirement.

Absolutely - it's about future earnings and independence. Over a lifetime, the earnings gap between Bachelors or Associates degree-holders, and High School diploma-holders widens, and its impact can be significant.

Research shows that college degrees produce greater financial success.

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A lot. Over the past three decades, the cost of tuition has outpaced the Consumer Price Index of inflation, and while there are different ways to approach college, from starting at a 2-year community college and then transferring to a 4-year institution, it does remain expensive.

Projected College Tuition Costs

Most families use a combination of savings, scholarships/grants and loans to pay for college.

In 2015, parent income and savings became the #1 source of college funding, surpassing scholarships and grants for the first time since 2010.

Sources Of College Funding

At over $1.3 trillion, national student debt is at historic highs, exceeding both the nation's credit card and auto loan debt levels, with no end in sight. Student debt stays with an individual for their lifetime — and sometimes beyond — and plays a large role in how soon college graduates are able to purchase their first home, or start their own family.

Save vs. Borrow $35,000 for College

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Assumes: Initial investment of $2,000 monthly investment of $250, 6% interest rate, and saving for 18 years.

The examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent any particular type of loan. The loan is based on an interest rate of 8.5% and assumes it is paid off in 10 years. The calculators do not include inflation or any fees associated with the loan. Your results could be different and will depend on the type of loan.

So how can a family prepare itself financially to meet these costs? Save little and save often. Put time on your side.

Saving is a critical piece in a family's overall college financing strategy. The College Savings Foundation's annual State of College Savings survey of 800 parents showed that those parents who invested in 529s and those who habitually saved with automatic savings plans — each saved more than parents without them.

Estimated Accumulation After Regular Contributions