Should your parents pay for your college?

Question

When I graduated high school I was told by my parents that they would not pay for my college education, and that if I had wanted to go to college I should have gotten better grades so I could get a scholarship. I ended up paying for cosmetology school on my own. That was a dead end job and I barely made minimum wage. I couldn't get financial aid because my parents made too much money, so I couldn't go any further in my education. Now I'm 31 and have applied for FAFSA. I made a mistake and had to correct the form. How long will this take? My college isn't very helpful and we all know FAFSA isn't very helpful. I only made 13500 last year, a lot of people are saying I won't qualify because that is too much money. I don't see how it could be! I get so mad when so many people get it and don't do anything with it. I don't think it's fair that people that have several kids and no job get it over me when I'm trying to do something with my life!

Answer 1

I think if they can they should, but it's ridiculous to expect all parents to be able to pay $25k/year. That's the price of a state school in my state! but, then of course, it's almost impossible for a 17 or 18 year old to have $25k/year for education either. If you only made $13500 you should get some kind of grant, but most likely not full tuition.

Answer 2

I think parents should pay for college...I think its unfair if they don't. Especially if they're making enough money.

I think that ideally, every parent who is a decent parent (not a drunkard who got pregnant on accident and could care less about the kid), should start saving up money here and there once the child is born. Put it into a scolarship plan and when the child is ready, goes off to school! Technically you're not losing anything, because if for some reason the child doesn't go to school later on or something happens, you can always get your money back. But the upside to the scolarship plans is that everytime you put money in, the governement puts in the same amount you did, so it doubles the plan.

My parents did this for me, and I am very grateful as I know what it must feel like to have to pay for your own (in theory anyway, I have to watch my boyfriend pay for his own University education). I won't have enough to get me through medical school but at least I will have enough for my undergrad degree...

If you are going to college and want to do something with your life, I would suggest getting a student line of credit from your bank or the bank that offers the highest line of credit. You can pay the money back after you graduate from your program. Its the best way to go in my opinion.

Answer 3

I don't think it will take too long for the form to be updated now that you've corrected it, and you should find out what your estimated need is soon. I don't think that $13,500 is too much to qualify, but you'll really just have to wait to hear back from FAFSA.

As far as whether or not parents should pay for their child's college, it really just depends on the parents. You can't force anyone to do anything, and while it would have been nice if your parents had helped you out, they didn't, and that's in the past now. If you don't end up getting enough financial aid to afford a major college, why don't you go to a community college? They're much less expensive, and if you work hard when you're there, and get good grades for a year or two then you might be able to transfer to another university and get a scholarship. Good luck with everything, though it may be hard and frustrating, you can do it!

Answer 4

In a perfect world parents would pay for everything! Though I believe if you want something and you are capable of getting a job then you should pay for it.  

Answer 5

If your parents expect it from you then I think they should help pay for it. Either way they should support  your education. I had to pay for my education and yes it did suck but financial aid is out there. And 13500 doesn't seem like much money, I'm not sure if what state you're in makes a difference but you should be able to qualify for a student loan and possibly a grant. I'm really surprised that your college isn't very helpful, have you visited the financial aid office?? At my school they were very helpful and they honestly want you to be able to attend school the best way financially. And FAFSA is pretty quick on making the corrections.

Answer 6

I pay for my own school. And was in the same boat, where my parents made too much so I couldn't apply for loans. I work part time and manage to pay for all my university tuition, books, parking, food, and my rent + utilities payments.

I DID get enough scholarships to pay for my first year of university, but I am enrolled in a 5 year program so I've had to pay for most of the rest.

It's a lot of work, and not really fair, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Answer 7

I believe IF they CAN, then they obviously should *help* out with their child's tuition. I think if any parent pays for the full tuition then the kid is just a spoiled brat and they won't learn anything from that. I tell myself when I have children, I'll help pay for half of their college, but it's best if the kid still pays for some of it.

I'm currently stuck saving up for my full 38,000 dollar tuition all on my own. I still don't know how I'll do it, but it'll make me a better person then if my folks paid for the full ride.

Then again, I was told since I was 6 from my mother and father that they wouldn't be able to pay for college. So this is something I grew up on. They REALLY can't help, they can barely pay the mortgage every month. But if parents can, then jeeze - this is your kid! They are trying to do something with their life, help out!

Answer 8

Parents should pay if they can IMO.  One of my parents has said they won't because I refused to get a summer job that would have given me pocket change.  I'm sorry, I don't know the answer to your other question.