Smart Saving for College- Better Buy Degrees

>Do you know how much college costs? >Do you know how much you need to save? >Do you know the many different tax-advantaged ways to save for college? We've written this guide to answer these questions and give you the information you need to save and invest wisely for college. You can make a college education an affordable choice for you or your child. According to The College Board, the average increase in tuition and fees at public four-year colleges in 2011 was 8.3 percent for in-state students and 4.5 percent for out-of-state students. If college costs were to increase by 5 percent per year, in 10 years the cost of tuition and fees at a four-year private college would be $44,457, and the cost at a four-year public college would be $12,388. That's a four year total of more than $177,000 for a private college and more than $49,000 for a public school-and this is just tuition and fees! For 2011, The College Board reports that room and board charges average $10,089 at four-year private colleges and $8,887 at four-year public colleges. But don't despair. While college costs are rising, many colleges still remain affordable. The College Board reports that half of full-time students attending a four-year public or private nonprofit colleges pay $9,936 or less in tuition and fees. So, college is still within reach for most families, but especially for those that start saving for it early.