It's easy to say do this...do that. However, everyone's circumstances are different. I have a friend whose kids' college fund was wiped out by emergency, and unanticipated, medical bills. I know some people who've had to pay for care for aging parents. I've known people whose businesses have gone belly up and have had to declare bankruptcy
gee, I was just thinking that the kid whose going to school could get a job or two. Lots of people do that. You're right about unexpected stuff happening, but then if they're wiped out by medical bills and bankruptcy wouldn't they qualify on financial hardship? .... I'm not sitting on any high horse and judging, just stating the case that parents aren't obliged to pay for college. It's a gift, a sacrifice and optional.... the "child" that's 18,19,20,21 is going to have to deal with "life's not fair".... it isn't, but nobody said it was.
the more I think about it, the more I wish I hadn't had to have 3 jobs in the summer so I could drink beer and tan myself with my buddies.
Yep, I've made up my mind... if you're 59 and need a job, life is definitely not fair.
When I was college-age, I worked my way through school. Today college costs 10 to 15 times what I paid. Part-time jobs don't pay 10-15 times what they paid 25 years ago. Do the math. I know. I've been looking into it, as my oldest will be ready for college in a couple years.