Heads up, parents! If you have a child in college or heading off to a university or trade school, you know that tuition is on the rise at an alarming rate. According to the College Board, during the 2003-2004 school year, tuition and fees at four-year public institutions were an average of 579 dollars more than the previous year (4,694 dollars versus 4,115 dollars, a 14.1 percent increase). Two-year public institutions were in the same boat, with tuition and fees averaging 231 dollars more than the previous year (1,905 dollars versus 1,674 dollars a 13.8 percent increase). What can you do? Decreased funding on the state level is the main reason for increases in tuition and fees nationally. Contacting your state legislators is a good place to start. However, while you are tackling changes in public policy and state funding priorities, the reality may sink in that you are facing these expenses for your offspring sooner than you are ready for them.
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