Planning & Education | College Planning

College Planning

According to the College Board, the average total bill for a year at a public college as an in-state student was $13,589 for the 2007-2008 academic year. A year at a private institution was more than twice as much: $32,307. At that rate, a child born in 2008 could end up paying $287,089 as a college freshman in 2026.¹

While a college education is expensive, it's one of the best investments you can make in a child's future. According to a 2007 College Board Study, people with a bachelor's degree earn over 60 percent more than those with only a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, the gap in earning potential between a high school diploma and a college graduate is more than $800,000.²

Everyone wants their child or grandchild to succeed and have opportunity. That's why it's crucial to save for their education.

The Costs: Learn more about rising college costs and how much you should expect to pay.

Strategies: What can you do to prepare for your own, your child's or your grandchild's college education?

College Savings Products: Products and services to help you in your college planning.

College Planning Tools: Use our online interactive calculator to estimate how much you need to save based on your specific needs.

¹ Source: The College Board College Cost Calculator, 2008. Estimate assumes attendance at a 4-year private college or university and that college costs rise at 5% each year until 2026.

² Source: "Education Pays: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society," The College Board, 2007.