tips for college parents

Introduction

A sad truth of higher education is that not every student will graduate.

While the economy is slowly recovering, some recent college graduates are still struggling to find work. 

As the costs of college have risen, so has the number of parent loans and the amount borrowed by parents.

A recent Wall Street Journal article discussed this rise. Citing FinAid.org, "over 17% of graduates in the 2011-12 academic year had parent Plus loans borrowed for them, which are loans available directly from the federal government, each with an average $33,800."

Just how big a rise is that from previous parent borrowing? "That's up from 13% with about $23,300 on average in the 2007-08 academic year."

by Alejandro Gutierrez

Senior year of high school can be a difficult time; not only for students, but for their family, teachers, and peers as well. A world of decisions awaits – Am I going to college? If so, what kind of college? What will I study when I get there? What do I even want to do? What career am I aiming for? Can I afford this? What happens to the people who are left behind? Will I move out of the house and move far away, or commute from home and attend somewhere close by? What color of pillowcases should I purchase?

And so on.