College is already an expensive goal...

The average cost of four years of public college already is approaching $40,000. And the average cost of four years at a private school is more than twice as high.

.. And the costs are rising.

College costs traditionally go in one direction - up. The cost of a child's college education depends on the current age of the child. The younger your child - and the further away his or her education - the more expensive it will be.

In 1980, a student who entered a private college faced a total average cost of $26,809 for tuition, room, and board - for the entire four years. In 2010, when that student's own child enters college, the bill will average $36,407 for tuition, fees, room and board - just for the freshman year. The total tab for four years? An estimated $156,920!

Higher Costs for Higher Education

College costs have been rising at rates that exceed the general inflation rate.¹ If that trend continues, four years at a private school could run almost $200,000 18 years from now.

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