If you have kids, you want a college education for them. But->Do you know how much college costs?>Do you know how much you need to save?>Do you know the many different tax-advantaged ways to save for college?We've written this guide to answer these questions and give you the information you need to save and invest wisely for college. You can make a college education an affordable choice for you or your child.According to The College Board, the average increase in tuition and fees at public four-year colleges in 2011 was 8.3 percent for in-state students and 4.5 percent for out-of-state students.If college costs were to increase by 5 percent per year, in 10 years the cost of tuition and fees at a four-year private college would be $44,457, and the cost at a four-year public college would be $12,388. That's a four year total of more than $177,000 for a private college and more than $49,000 for a public school-and this is just tuition and fees For 2011, The College Board reports that room and board charges average $10,089 at four-year private colleges and $8,887 at four-year public colleges.But don't despair. While college costs are rising, many colleges still remain affordable. The College Board reports that half of full-time students attending a four-year public or private nonprofit colleges pay $9,936 or less in tuition and fees.So, college is still within reach for most families, but especially for those that start saving for it early.
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