College Planning

Being able to contribute to the education of a child or grandchild will provide benefits that will last a lifetime.

Whether it is to help provide for a similar or more advanced education than you earned, the cost can be daunting.

1. Published tuition and fees at public four-year colleges and universities rose at an average annual rate of 4.9% per year beyond general inflation from 2000 to 2009, more rapidly than in either of the previous two decades.

• Published in-state tuition and fees at public four-year institutions average 6.5% higher than in 2008-09. Average total charges, including tuition, fees and room and board, are $15,213, up 5.9%.

• Published tuition and fees at private not-for-profit four-year colleges and universities average 4.4% higher than in 2008-09. Average total charges are $35,636 up 4.3%.

2. A conservative look at the cost of a college degree for a child born in 2010

Based on the assumptions summarized below, the total college expense for a public school in Texas is estimated to be	$176,639
Childs Present Age	1
2010 tuition, fees, and miscellaneous expenses	$14,995
2027 tuition, fees and miscellaneous expenses, adjusted for inflation	$40,378
Assumed annual rate of inflation for tuition 2010-2030	6.00%

3. A conservative look at the cost of a college degree for a child born in 2010

Based on the assumptions summarized below, the total college expense for a private school in Texas is estimated to be	$429,717
Childs Present Age	1
2010 tuition, fees, and misc. expenses	$36,479
2027 tuition, fees and misc. expenses, adjusted for inflation	$98,230
Assumed annual rate of inflation for tuition (2010-2030)	6.00%

We can offer objective guidance to the investment choices that are available. Together we can find suitable strategies to help keep ahead of the rising cost of education and provide solutions to ensure a quality education for your loved ones.