How the Typical American Family Pays for College

July 27, 2024
A group of people are moving into a college dorm room.

The typical family uses a combination of income, savings, grant aid, and loans to pay for college. For the past several years, income and savings from parents and students have consistently covered about half of the total cost, with grant aid covering about one quarter of the total cost and loans covering most of the remainder.


Starting a college fund early and aggressively looking for grant aid from colleges can help families reduce the amount they may need to borrow. A net price calculator, available on every college website, can help families estimate how much grant aid a student might receive at a particular college.

A father and daughter are walking down a street carrying a tote of stuff for college.

All Securities Through Money Concepts Capital Corp., Member FINRA / SIPC

11440 North Jog Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Phone: 561.472.2000

Copyright 2010 Money Concepts International Inc.

Investments are not FDIC or NCUA Insured

May Lose Value - No Bank or Credit Union Guarantee

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of MI. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2020.

A man in a suit is using a laptop and a tablet.

Are Extended Warranties Worth It?

April 22, 2025
Extended warranties are offered by retailers for an additional cost and cover product repairs for a specific period of time under certain conditions.
A man is talking on a cell phone in a bakery while looking at a tablet.

Life Insurance in Retirement

April 22, 2025
Most of us think of life insurance as protection against financial loss should we die prematurely. But when we reach retirement and the kids are all self-sufficient, do we still need life insurance?
A woman is sitting at a table with a laptop and a piece of paper.

Versatile 529 Plans Can Help with More than Just College

April 22, 2025
529 plans were originally created in 1996 as a tax-advantaged way to save for college.
A group of business people are standing next to each other in front of a white wall.

Prime Workforce Stays Strong

April 22, 2025
The labor force participation rate — the percentage of Americans age 16 and older who are working or actively looking for work — peaked in early 2000.
Show More