It’s All Relative: The Role of Parents in College Financing and Enrollment
Published Oct 1998
Comprehensive overview of parents’ behavior in college enrollment and financing using data from the U.S. Department of Education and a representative survey of parents
Using data from the U.S. Department of Education and a specially commissioned, nationally representative survey of parents of current college students, this report presents a comprehensive overview of parents’ behavior in college enrollment and financing. Major findings of the report indicate that while parents are still committed to helping their children pay for college, their support is covering diminishing proportions of the average price of attendance. Overall, parents participate widely in the admissions and financial aid process, discussing their children’s interest in careers and schools, filling out applications, and speaking with counselors.