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MONEY SMART KIDS
Paying for College
by Janet Bodnar

If our parents make too much money for us kids to qualify for financial aid from the government and they refuse to pay for college, then we are the ones who suffer. Is there any way around this?

Since when did paying for college become a parent's responsibility? I paid my own way, attending a community college for two years and then transferring to a four-year school. I also worked while I was in school. I am now a teacher and have paid off my college loans.

Since I first wrote about the topic several weeks ago, the issue of whether -- and to what extent -- parents should pay for their kids' college education continues to generate mail. The two letters above are typical.

Let me restate my own view, both as a parent and an expert on kids and money. Although parents generally have no legal obligation to pay for a child's higher education, I think they have a parental obligation to contribute -- but only to the extent that they're willing or able. They aren't obliged to pay the full freight, nor should they.

College should be a joint venture, with the kids pitching in to give themselves a stake in their own education. At a bare minimum, kids should be earning their own spending money.

It's disappointing that the kids in the first letter above can't figure out any way to pay for college other than government financial aid or their parents' pocketbook. They should read the second letter to find three good alternatives: get a job, take out loans, go to a two-year college and transfer.

Another option is to apply for a scholarship. Sometimes that's as straightforward as looking for a college where you would be an attractive candidate based on grades or some other talent.

There are also plenty of outside scholarships not associated with any school. Much of that aid is specialized, based on such things as your interests, affiliations, or your parents' place of employment. To see if you qualify, check with your school guidance counselor, or do a free online search at www.fastweb.monster.com or www.collegeboard.com.

For a $20 fee -- half off the regular price -- Kiplinger's readers can get access for six months to Peterson's BestCollegeDeals, which can help you spot overlooked bargains at 1,500 schools in its database.

Next: More ways to pay the bill.