Cost of a Child

     Young couples who discuss whether or not to have a family or how many children they want, need to be realistic about the financial costs.  New statistics show that the average cost to raise a child from birth through 17 is over $200,000.  If the child then goes to a public in-state university, the average cost of tuition and fees right now is $8,000 a year plus thousands more for housing, food, books, and other necessities.  The average cost for four years right now is well above $50,000.  This amount will increase as years go by.  Parents who dream about scholarships and loans, may face a nightmare when they realize the actual cost of their child's education.
     Couples who already have children can plan and save but still might not have enough to cover the costs.  Ways to pay for college can include: (1) Have the teenager work and save during high school and college to help pay the bills. (2) Have the student attend college close by and live at home.
     A child is very expensive.  Wise couples will limit the number of children they have to what they can afford.  If they want the child to attend college,  the teenager needs to know about the costs and ways to help with expenses if necessary.