A new survey from CSF reveals that high school students believe in the value of post-secondary education, and are actively taking steps to make it more affordable and avoid debt.
The 17th Annual CSF Youth Survey surveyed more than 1,000 high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors and found a heightened awareness of the increasing cost of college and a desire to be financially prepared. Among respondents:
- 80% said a traditional college experience would help them earn more over their career than other post-secondary training or education.
- 78% expect to attend public college, private college, or community college. Another 18% plan on technical education or training, credentialing, or the military. Only 4% had no plans to pursue any type of post-secondary education or credentialing.
- 83% say they understand the total costs of higher education, and 66% worry about paying back student loans.
- To help cover the costs, 63% are saving for their education, 86% plan to work while in school, and 54% will live at home to save money.
If you’re a parent of a high school student, remember that it’s not too late to save or even to start a 529 plan if you haven’t already. You can continue contributing and growing your child’s college savings in high school and throughout their college years.
