BETA
The massive excluded college expense
The USDA's $320,000 baseline estimate only covers expenses up to age 17. College tuition, which averages $10,000 annually for in-state public universities and $40,000 for private universities, adds a massive additional financial layer.
Chapter 1
The big ticket items
Chapter 2
Hidden and unexpected expenses
Chapter 3
Location, location, location
Chapter 4
The college savings mountain
Ch 4 · The college savings mountain
sloane Stack childhood expenses to the peak to discover the true cost of raising a kid.
sloane American College Savings Mountain
From diapers to degrees, that savings mountain really grows. Over five hundred thousand dreams, for a future that glows.
Fun Fact
Excluded college: The famous government estimates for raising a child stop at age 17, completely ignoring the cost of college, which can add $100,000+.
Glossary
529 plan (noun)
A tax-advantaged investment account designed to encourage saving for future higher education expenses. In 1996, the United States Congress created these accounts to help parents save for future college costs.
A tax-advantaged investment account designed to encourage saving for future higher education expenses. In 1996, the United States Congress created these accounts to help parents save for future college costs.
Quiz
Why do financial advisors often tell parents to prioritize retirement savings over college savings?
Quiz
What is the average annual cost of tuition and fees for an in-state public four-year college in the U.S.?
Quiz
Which of the following can 529 plan funds be used for besides traditional college tuition?