According to a study done by Fidelity, 42% of parents wish they started saving for college earlier. While saving for college can seem like a daunting challenge, we’re here to help.
If you’re wondering when you should start saving for your child’s college education, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn about when you should start that college fund, how much money you should save, and what college savings options you have.
When Parents Should Start Saving for College
The cost of college tuition rises annually due to inflation. In fact, between 1980 and 2020, the cost of tuition rose by 169%. So, it’s important that parents start saving for college as early as possible.
That said, experts advise that worries about the “when” should not hinder parents from saving now. Annette VanderLinde, the Chief Client Officer for Portfolio Solutions, states that, “Either there’s too much stress placed upon opening a college savings account right after birth, or regret in not starting a savings account earlier. The key is to just get started and let go of the worry.”
Whether your child is six or sixteen, you should be looking into options and saving for college as soon as possible.
It is important to note that parents who begin saving later will have to contribute more money than parents who began saving earlier to “catch up.” Parents who begin saving earlier have time and compound interest on their side, meaning that their gains may be substantially larger.
>> MORE: Learn more about when parents should start saving for college
What to Do If You’re Getting a Late Start on Saving
If you are starting late on saving for college, it may be smarter to take on less risk as market fluctuations can be a detrimental player to your college savings goal. Perhaps it would be wiser to look into more safe, secure investments or age-based plans.
If you don’t reach sufficient savings, you should look into the different types of financial aid for college. Additionally, you can use Sparrow to find the best parent student loan rates and compare across multiple lenders in minutes.
>> MORE: Best parent loans for college
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ASLA
Minimum credit score
Fixed APR
PARENT -> Loans are made available by the Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA), a division of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, which is an Arkansas state government agency.
Loan terms are subject to change. All loans are subject to approval based upon underwriting guidelines determined by ASLA and its advisors. Interest rates for approved loans will be based upon the borrower’s credit history as reported under the FICO credit scoring system.
Non-Arkansas residents must attend an eligible institution of higher education within the state of Arkansas to be eligible for an ASLA loan. Arkansas residents may attend an eligible institution of higher education within or outside of the state of Arkansas to be eligible for an ASLA loan.
For more information related to the Arkansas Student Loan Authority and its loan products, visit www.asla.info.
Variable APR
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Brazos
Minimum credit score
Fixed APR
It is recommended that you utilize scholarships, grants and other federal student loans, such as the Federal Direct Student Loans, available to you before you use a Brazos Student Loan.
By providing your email, you are consenting to receive periodic emails from Brazos regarding the Brazos Student Loan, as well as general student loan information, information on other Brazos loan products or services, and other information we believe you will find informative and helpful.
Rates and terms provided as a result of a soft credit check do not mean you have been approved for the Brazos Student Loan but will give you an indicator of if, and on what terms, you may qualify. In order to qualify and be approved for the loan, you must apply, have a hard credit pull performed, and provide all necessary documents and information. A hard credit inquiry may impact your credit score.
Credit Review and Approval. If you choose to apply for a Brazos Student Loan, Brazos Parent Loan, or Brazos Refinance Loan and continue your application past the pre-credit eligibility stage, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit inquiry. Hard credit inquiries (or hard credit pulls) are required for Brazos to be able to issue you a Brazos loan. In addition to requiring your explicit permission, these credit pulls may impact your credit score. The initial credit review is based on review of all the information you and your cosigner (if applicable) provide during the application process and the information obtained from your credit report(s). If you pass the initial credit review, you will need to provide acceptable documentation such as your income verification before the final loan approval.
Brazos Education Lending Corporation (Brazos) is a part of a group of several non-affiliated nonprofit companies that are all managed by The Brazos Higher Education Service Corporation, Inc. and are commonly referred to as the Brazos Managed Companies. The first of the Brazos Managed Companies was organized in 1975 in Waco, Texas, as a secondary market for student loans. Since that time, the Brazos Managed Companies have, on a combined basis, served an estimated 2 million student borrowers and have helped fund an estimated $30 billion in student loans.
Variable APR
It is recommended that you utilize scholarships, grants and other federal student loans, such as the Federal Direct Student Loans, available to you before you use a Brazos Student Loan.
By providing your email, you are consenting to receive periodic emails from Brazos regarding the Brazos Student Loan, as well as general student loan information, information on other Brazos loan products or services, and other information we believe you will find informative and helpful.
Rates and terms provided as a result of a soft credit check do not mean you have been approved for the Brazos Student Loan but will give you an indicator of if, and on what terms, you may qualify. In order to qualify and be approved for the loan, you must apply, have a hard credit pull performed, and provide all necessary documents and information. A hard credit inquiry may impact your credit score.
Credit Review and Approval. If you choose to apply for a Brazos Student Loan, Brazos Parent Loan, or Brazos Refinance Loan and continue your application past the pre-credit eligibility stage, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit inquiry. Hard credit inquiries (or hard credit pulls) are required for Brazos to be able to issue you a Brazos loan. In addition to requiring your explicit permission, these credit pulls may impact your credit score. The initial credit review is based on review of all the information you and your cosigner (if applicable) provide during the application process and the information obtained from your credit report(s). If you pass the initial credit review, you will need to provide acceptable documentation such as your income verification before the final loan approval.
Brazos Education Lending Corporation (Brazos) is a part of a group of several non-affiliated nonprofit companies that are all managed by The Brazos Higher Education Service Corporation, Inc. and are commonly referred to as the Brazos Managed Companies. The first of the Brazos Managed Companies was organized in 1975 in Waco, Texas, as a secondary market for student loans. Since that time, the Brazos Managed Companies have, on a combined basis, served an estimated 2 million student borrowers and have helped fund an estimated $30 billion in student loans.
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College Ave
Minimum credit score
Fixed APR
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
*The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as the borrower or cosigner, if applicable, enrolls in auto-pay and authorizes our loan servicer to automatically deduct your monthly payments from a valid bank account via Automated Clearing House (“ACH”). The rate reduction applies for as long as the monthly payment amount is successfully deducted from the designated bank account and is suspended during periods of forbearance and certain deferments. Variable rates may increase after consummation. $5,000 is the minimum requirement to refinance. The maximum loan amount is $300,000 for those with medical, dental, pharmacy or veterinary doctorate degrees, and $150,000 for all other undergraduate or graduate degrees. Information advertised valid as of 08/25/2022. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation.
This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a refi borrower with a Full Principal & Interest Repayment and a 10-year repayment term, has a $40,000 loan and a 5.5% Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $434.11 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $52,092.61. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 09/13/2023. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of full principal and interest payments with the shortest available loan term.
Variable APR
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
*The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as the borrower or cosigner, if applicable, enrolls in auto-pay and authorizes our loan servicer to automatically deduct your monthly payments from a valid bank account via Automated Clearing House (“ACH”). The rate reduction applies for as long as the monthly payment amount is successfully deducted from the designated bank account and is suspended during periods of forbearance and certain deferments. Variable rates may increase after consummation. $5,000 is the minimum requirement to refinance. The maximum loan amount is $300,000 for those with medical, dental, pharmacy or veterinary doctorate degrees, and $150,000 for all other undergraduate or graduate degrees. Information advertised valid as of 08/25/2022. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation.
This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a refi borrower with a Full Principal & Interest Repayment and a 10-year repayment term, has a $40,000 loan and a 5.5% Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $434.11 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $52,092.61. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 09/13/2023. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of full principal and interest payments with the shortest available loan term.
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Earnest
Minimum credit score
Fixed APR
Auto Pay Discount Disclosure
You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment. The interest rate reduction for Auto Pay will be available only while your loan is enrolled in Auto Pay. Interest rate incentives for utilizing Auto Pay may not be combined with certain private student loan repayment programs that also offer an interest rate reduction. For multi-party loans, only one party may enroll in Auto Pay.
Student Loan Origination Interest Rate Disclosure
Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 4.70% APR to 15.15% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.24% APR to 15.55% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan origination loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. Although the rate will vary after you are approved, it will never exceed 36% (the maximum allowable for this loan). Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred. Sparrow receives compensation from Earnest on a per-funded loan basis.
Student Loan Origination Loan Cost Examples
These examples provide estimates based on the Deferred Repayment option, meaning you make no payments while enrolled in school and during the separation period of 9 billing periods thereafter. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $157.12) and an 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $21,290.40. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $173.51) and an 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $22,827.79. Your actual repayment terms may vary.
Earnest Loans are made by Earnest Operations LLC or One American Bank, Member FDIC. Earnest Operations LLC, NMLS #1204917. 535 Mission St., Suite 1663, San Francisco, CA 94105. California Financing Law License 6054788. Visit Lending Licenses – Earnest for a full list of licensed states. For California residents (Student Loan Refinance Only): Loans will be arranged or made pursuant to a California Financing Law License.
One American Bank, 515 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Earnest loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC with support from Navient Solutions LLC (NMLS #212430). One American Bank and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.
© 2023 Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.
Variable APR
Auto Pay Discount Disclosure
You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment. The interest rate reduction for Auto Pay will be available only while your loan is enrolled in Auto Pay. Interest rate incentives for utilizing Auto Pay may not be combined with certain private student loan repayment programs that also offer an interest rate reduction. For multi-party loans, only one party may enroll in Auto Pay.
Student Loan Origination Interest Rate Disclosure
Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 4.70% APR to 15.15% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.24% APR to 15.55% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan origination loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. Although the rate will vary after you are approved, it will never exceed 36% (the maximum allowable for this loan). Please note, Earnest Private Student Loans are not available in Nevada. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available while loan payments are deferred. Sparrow receives compensation from Earnest on a per-funded loan basis.
Student Loan Origination Loan Cost Examples
These examples provide estimates based on the Deferred Repayment option, meaning you make no payments while enrolled in school and during the separation period of 9 billing periods thereafter. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $157.12) and an 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $21,290.40. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $173.51) and an 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $22,827.79. Your actual repayment terms may vary.
Earnest Loans are made by Earnest Operations LLC or One American Bank, Member FDIC. Earnest Operations LLC, NMLS #1204917. 535 Mission St., Suite 1663, San Francisco, CA 94105. California Financing Law License 6054788. Visit Lending Licenses – Earnest for a full list of licensed states. For California residents (Student Loan Refinance Only): Loans will be arranged or made pursuant to a California Financing Law License.
One American Bank, 515 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Earnest loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC with support from Navient Solutions LLC (NMLS #212430). One American Bank and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.
© 2023 Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.
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ISL
Minimum credit score
Fixed APR
Subject to credit approval. Loans are made by Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation or Bank of Lake Mills. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. Annual percentage rate (APR) shown is dependent on if you are viewing this page with or without the auto-debit discount applied. If viewing with auto-debit discount applied, the APR rate will range from 3.85% APR to 7.91% APR and assumes you are enrolled in and maintain auto-debit payments from the date of origination. Enrolling in auto-debit results in a 0.25% interest rate reduction. Without enrolling in auto-debit, the rate will range from 3.60% APR to 7.66% APR. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. If you are approved for a loan, the rate offered will depend on your credit profile, the term you select, your state of residence or your current lender and will be within the ranges shown above.
Variable APR
Subject to credit approval. Loans are made by Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation or Bank of Lake Mills. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. Annual percentage rate (APR) shown is dependent on if you are viewing this page with or without the auto-debit discount applied. If viewing with auto-debit discount applied, the APR rate will range from 3.85% APR to 7.91% APR and assumes you are enrolled in and maintain auto-debit payments from the date of origination. Enrolling in auto-debit results in a 0.25% interest rate reduction. Without enrolling in auto-debit, the rate will range from 3.60% APR to 7.66% APR. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. If you are approved for a loan, the rate offered will depend on your credit profile, the term you select, your state of residence or your current lender and will be within the ranges shown above.
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How Much Parents Should Save for College
While there is no “right” answer to how much parents should save for college, here are some general guidelines for how much you should have saved by the time your child enters college.
The ⅓ Rule
The ⅓ rule states that parents should be able to pay for their child’s college in thirds:
- ⅓ of the tuition should be paid by the parents’ income
- ⅓ should be paid by savings
- ⅓ should be paid for by grants, scholarships, and other sources of financial aid.
To calculate what ⅓ of tuition may cost when your child enters college, use a college cost projector calculator such as Vanguard’s. Then, divide the projected cost by 3 to find the amount you should aim to save.
For example, let’s say that your child was born in 2015. While you don’t know which school your child will attend, you know they will enroll in around 11 years. According to Vanguard, 4 years of college will cost around $167,266 total by that time. So, you’d want to aim to save $55,755.
>> MORE: What are the different types of financial aid options?
The 2k Rule
The 2k Rule expects that the cost of tuition will grow 3% above the national inflation rate in a four-year period and that parents will cover 50% of their child’s tuition with savings.
To calculate how much you will need to save to cover 50% of your child’s tuition with +3% to the national inflation rate every four years, take the following steps:
- Multiply your child’s current age by $2,000. (Ex. Your child is 16 years old. 16 x 2,000 is 32,000).
- Calculate how many years left until your child goes to college, and multiply that number by $2,000. (Ex. Your child is 16 years old and you expect them to go to college in one year. 1 x 2,000 is 2,000.)
- Add up the totals from steps one and two to determine roughly how much money you will need to save up to pay for 50% of your child’s tuition by the time they go to college. (32,000 + 2,000 is 34,000).
Fidelity’s college savings calculator can also do the math for you.
The Best Way to Save for Your Child’s College
As a parent, there are a variety of ways to save for your child’s college. Here are a few options to consider:
>> MORE: Best parent loans for college
529 Plans
A 529 Plan is a college savings plan that offers both federal and state benefits when you use the money for educational purposes. There are two types of 529 Plans: an educational savings plan and a prepaid tuition plan.
- Educational Savings Plan: Parents can contribute money to the educational savings plan and choose investment options.
- Prepaid Tuition Plan: Parents can pay tuition that is based on the current tuition in advance for a specific university/group of universities.
| Pros of the 529 Plan | Cons of the 529 Plan |
| Earnings and withdrawals are tax-free for educational expenses. | There will be penalties if the money is used for non-educational purposes. |
| Investments can grow up to $500,000 over the life of the account. | Limited investment options in comparison to other savings options. |
| When the owner of the 529 Plan is a custodial parent or the dependent student, the total value must be reported as a parent asset on the FAFSA. |
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are a type of investment fund that allows you to diversify your stock holdings by buying different stock options instead of just one. Your investment portfolio is usually managed by financial advisors, to whom you give your money to. As a parent, this option is a great way to start saving for college.
| Pros of Mutual Funds | Cons of Mutual Funds |
| Money can be used on anything. | Earnings are subject to annual income tax. |
| No limits to investing. | Capital gains are subject to tax when sold. |
| Earnings made on mutual funds will be viewed on your child’s FAFSA, affecting financial aid eligibility. |
Custodial Accounts
Custodial accounts are brokerage accounts that you open for your child and transfer to them once they reach the age of 18, 21, or 25 years old. You can invest in stocks, mutual funds, and bonds with a custodial account.
| Pros of Custodial Accounts | Cons of Custodial Accounts |
| Money can be used on anything. | Your child may be subject to the kiddie tax when they receive the account. The tax is on any unearned income they receive that exceeds $2,300 when or before they are 23 years old. |
| No limits to investing. | The brokerage account will be viewed as your child’s financial assets on their FAFSA, affecting financial aid distribution. |
| The account’s value can be removed from your gross estate. |
Savings Bonds
Savings bonds are securities that are backed by the United States Government. They are incredibly safe investments with a 100% money-back guarantee, along with any interest that accrues.
| Pros of Savings Bonds | Cons of Savings Bonds |
| Federal tax-deferred and state tax-free. | $10,000 limit for individuals and $20,000 limit for joint couples annually. |
| Safe, guaranteed return on investment. | Lower returns compared to other investment options. |
Roth IRAs
Roth IRAs are individual retirement accounts that you can put after-tax money into and enjoy tax-free growth and withdrawals. Penalties can be waived if money is withdrawn and used for educational expenses.
| Pros of Roth IRAs | Cons of Roth IRAs |
| Offers a wide range of investment options. | Maximum annual contribution is $6,000 if you are under 50 years old. |
| Not counted as a parent asset on the FAFSA. | Educational withdrawals will count as untaxed income and reduce your child’s financial aid eligibility. |
| Only for individuals who earn less than $144,000 or joint individuals who earn less than $214,000 annually. |
Should Parents Save for Their Child’s College?
Saving for your child’s educational expenses comes with many benefits. For one, it will alleviate the thousands of dollars in debt that your child will have to pay off. If you start early, you will have the power of compound interest and time on your side, allowing you to save more with less. Plus, it is better to save money now rather than borrow later.
>> MORE: Best student loans for parents with bad credit
However, there are certain things that are far more financially beneficial for your family and should take precedence over a college fund, such as:
- An emergency fund: Every family needs a rainy day fund for any storms that life throws at you. Whether it is an unexpected medical emergency, a necessary home repair, or an out-of-the-blue expense, you’ll want to be prepared for whatever comes your way.
- Paying off high-interest debt: High-interest debt is notorious for growing exponentially, putting many families in more debt than they expected in a short amount of time. Before your debt becomes a larger problem than it has to be, paying off your high-interest debt should be at the forefront of your financial priorities.
- In some cases, a retirement fund: Retirement can be expensive. According to the World Population Review, you need at least $905,000 in your retirement savings to retire comfortably in 2022. It’s a difficult position to be in, but you’ll have to determine what costs more: the financial burden you may be on your children when you are retired versus the student debt your child will have to shoulder.
Saving for college costs should ultimately depend on your family’s financial situation. For some, it is more beneficial to save money now than to borrow later. For others, spending money to tie up loose ends is far more important than putting the money into a savings account.
>> MORE: Compare parent loan rates across different lenders
Closing Thoughts from the Nest
Saving for college as a parent can be a large concern. If your family is in the financial standing to save for college, remember to start saving early. Compound interest and time will be your two financial saviors in the face of college inflation.
Between the college fund options discussed above, be sure to thoroughly research each one to find what’s most suitable for you and your child.
Remember, not all families are in the position to start saving for college, and that is okay. Paying off high-interest debt, saving for your retirement, and adding to your emergency fund are all valid alternatives that will benefit your family in the long run.
Sparrow aims to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products.