As a father of four, with three entering school next year, I am well aware of college costs. But there are solutions if kid are taught no free rides...
Son #1 will graduate in June. He will graduate in three years and still spent a semester oversees. He had multiple scholarships. With scholarships and trimming a year off school, he saved $92K in tuition (we to private school). He also went online to get books saving thousands of dollars. Do a WSJ search on the trend in graduating early and how kids do it.
Daughter decided to go to community college on scholarship which was good decision for her. Will continue to work.
Son will enter the Air National Guard and sit out one year. Will then go to school on a combination of GI Bill and State Program for Guard Members (100% paid tuition). He garnered a special job and will get double GI monthly payments ($700 instead of $350). Also monthly drill pay. Also, $20K signing bonus. Kid will have more money than me when he graduates.
Last daughter going to a fine state school. Good grades and ACT (not excellent) got her about 30% scholarship. Her visit to the school included meeting with manager of a sandwich shop which at home she works at. They will give her a job.
Yes, it’s amazing what the actual stories are like out there. You did a good job with your kids.
Peace + Blessings sir!