Most families use a combination of savings, current earnings and financial aid to cover expenses.
All families are eligible for some aid.
Financial aid, is, however, primarily need-based. Families should plan to save, contribute from earning and borrow to some extent to meet the costs for education after high school. Each student is expected to contribute from savings and summer earnings. When you start early, you can save smaller amounts over a longer period of time, which is easier on your budget. Any amount you save will add up over time and lessen the amount you and your child will have to borrow.