<p>My parents paid for the bulk of my undergraduate education, minus the grants, scholarships, and a few small federal loans. My parents always said they would pay for our undergraduate education but expected my siblings and I to pay for anything further. I can see why some parents are eager to help, especially for professional programsl, but personally, I think forcing me to pay for my education helped me to consider my goals more clearly. It also makes me more invested and motivated me to seek out fellowships for grad school. When I applied for colleges, although the schools were mine, my parents still went on school visits, gave their opinion, helped me with applications, etc. For grad school, it was my decision from start to finish. I just think having yourself pay makes you more committed in general, which is more key in grad school since the degrees aren't as widely applicable as an undergrad degree.</p>