returning home

A couple million sets of U.S. parents just realized a dream: They sent sons and daughters off to colleges. Most immediately set their sights on a new dream: attending graduation ceremonies at those colleges.But right about now, some are getting the first clues that might not happen. A few know it won't — because their kids have already dropped out.

At least once a year, an article about target numbers for college savings are published on major media websites. Recent articles include this one on NYtimes.com, this one on usatoday.com, and this one on reuters.com. A new one came out just this week on Foxbusiness.com. As one can see, this is common territory. But, here at College Parents of America, we think that such articles serve as helpful reminder of how difficult it can be to project out college costs and figuring out your needed amount of savings.

At College Parents of America, we strive to provide valuable resource information to our members, as well as vigorous advocacy.While many of my recent columns have centered around some of the key advocacy issues that we are focusing on – to serve you – here in Washington, DC, we also work to benefit you with resource information that hits home wherever you live.One of those key resource areas involves the question of academic preparation for college, not just what it takes to get in to school, but what it takes to succeed.

The third comic in the College Parents of America Humor series is now available!  This comic, a collaboration between College Parents of America and Hector Curriel, reminds us how the first trip to a college bookstore is often overwhelming for both parents and students.