Half of the parents that
Nonetheless, 56% think that scholarship money will pay a substantial portion of the childs college education, which is not always the reality, according to OppenheimerFunds. In the 2008-09 school year, aid in the form of grants and tax benefits averaged $3,700 for in-state students and public four-year colleges, while the annual cost was $14,333. At a private university, its even more $34,132.
And most parents highly value college, with 80% saying the cost of a college education is worth it, given how it can boost a graduates earning power and ability to find a job.
Its not surprising that Americans value college so highly, said Donna Winn, president and CEO of OppenheimerFunds Private Investments. A college degree is still seen as a difference-maker, delivering a lifetimes worth of benefits. At the same time, good intentions wont be enough. In far too many families, theres a disconnect between college hopes and financial realities.
To help parents begin saving for their childrens college education through college savings 529 plans, OppenheimerFunds has launched a special educational website,