<p>By middle class I mean 60k to 80k.</p>
<p>I hear some private colleges give out great financial aid, but for one school that costs 55k, I still pay 20k; my income is 80k. </p>
<p>What did the parents of children who attended private colleges pay on average?</p>
<p>It’s a little more complicated than the range of income. They figure out the family expected financial contribution (EFC) from a standard federal form called FAFSA. Google “FAFSA calculator” for some quick estimates on line. By the questions they ask, you can see what factors play a role. If your EFC is $20k, it would be the same anywhere. However, you could find a public school at lower cost than that. </p>
<p>If you’ve picked somebody else’s number as an example, your EFC is probably different. I’ve heard ranges from $7k to $23k for W2 incomes in the range you listed.</p>
<p>If a school meets your kid’s need, it only means they are trying to fill the gap between your EFC and the school’s total cost. There are relatively few exceptions.</p>
<p>I don’t know any figures that will directly answer your question of what private colleges cost for families in that income range. Though the colleges that meet full need tend to be the private schools, that’s still just a very small percentage of them. Most private colleges do not meet full need for their students. That means anyone who does not have the resources to pay for those costs, has to borrow the money. </p>
<p>Those schools that do meet full need will expect the family to pay an average of $12-20K if they are in the income range you mention. But again, be aware that very, very few schools are going to come up with the rest of the money for the students. The students will be gapped or offered loans if the parents sign for them or PLUS loans for the parents. .</p>
<p>Before tax income approx 90k
FAFSA EFC approx 20k
Happykid’s expenses at our local community college approx 5k</p>
<p>That’s how we’re paying for her education. When she finishes her AA she will most likely transfer to one of our state universities. Our FAFSA EFC is roughly the Cost of Attendance (COA) at the state Us. By going the community college then transfer route, the last two years will be much more affordable.</p>
<p>This is the same route our soon took. He said community college was the best decision he ever made. He transfered from there to a state school where he will graduate in May (on time!). I don’t think he knows anybody else graduating debt free. He will save his debt for his masters degree.</p>
<p>For us, about 55k/year and rising.</p>