136 HAWAII PARENT January/February 2026 W ith the average cost of college in the US estimated at $38,270 per student per year, and the average private, nonprofit university student spending about $58,620 per academic year living on campus (Educationdata.org), paying for college can seem daunting. Almost 90% of parents say they see a college degree as essential for their child’s success; however, only 44% say they felt ready to handle the first payment upon his or her high school graduation (College Ave). And the cost of college continues to rise. That is why it’s important to start planning and contributing early and to involve the entire family wherever possible. The following are a few tips to help ensure you and your family are on a good financial path to putting your child, children, or grandchildren through college. by Daniel Shiu
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