The college search process is an exciting but time-consuming process. After your child narrows down the colleges of his or her choice, you both have to figure out the issue of paying for tuition and room and board. The reality is that a four-year college education is expensive. The College Board1 reported that the average annual published tuition and fees for in-state students at a four-year public college was $11,260 for the 2023-2024 school year, $29,150 for out-of-state tuition and fees at a four-year public college, and $41,540 per year for a four-year private college. However, colleges typically offer scholarships or discounted tuition rates for students who are high achievers academically or distinguish themselves in sports, the arts, music, or other field. Grants and work-study programs can also help reduce the final price tag of a college education.
Student Aid Trends
In 2022-2023, undergraduate students received an average of $15,480 in financial aid, including grants ($10,680), federal loans ($3,860), education tax credits and deductions ($850), and federal work-study ($90).2
Financial Aid and Taxes
If your child is awarded financial aid for college expenses, you may be concerned that taxes will be due on that aid. As always with taxes, it depends on the circumstances. In general, gift aid, including scholarships and fellowship grants that are paid to an individual to assist in the pursuit of study or for research, is not taxable if:
- The recipient is a degree candidate at an eligible educational institution – defined as one that has a faculty, a curriculum, and a regularly enrolled group of students.
- The funds are either designated for tuition and related expenses – required fees, books, supplies, and equipment – or are unrestricted and the amount does not exceed tuition and related expenses. Expenses for room and board do not count.
- The award is not payment for services such as teaching or research.
Excess aid is considered taxable income to the student. Nonetheless, a student’s standard deduction may be enough to shelter any earned income from income taxes.
Other Options for Parents
Saving for college through a Section 529 plan delivers valuable tax benefits. The money in a Section 529 plan grows on a tax-deferred basis, and 3 distributions for qualified educational expenses are free of federal income tax. Additionally, many states offer some form of state income tax deduction or credit for contributions to a 529 plan.
Work With a Professional
Deciding where to go to college is both an exciting and stressful decision for young people. Figuring out how to pay for it can cause parents many sleepless nights. That’s why it can be helpful to obtain the input of a financial professional well before your child makes his or her choice as to where to attend college. A financial professional may be able to offer unique insights and advice on how parents can afford college for their children.
1The College Board, “Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2023.”
2Figures are per full-time equivalent student.
3Certain benefits may not be available unless specific requirements (e.g., residency) are met. There also may be restrictions on the timing of distributions and how they may be used. Before investing, consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities. The issuer’s official statement contains more information about municipal fund securities, and you should read it carefully before investing.
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