I calculated what Carlos and Sophia need to save until Maria is through graduate school. With only one parent working, that may be tough. Maria currently has an education IRA account. So Sophia and Carlos will need to consider other alternatives. Some states offer tax breaks, too.
Money withdrawn for college expenses is taxed at the child's rate.
Parents or grandparents can remove assets from their taxable estates. The contributor maintains control of the plan, unlike UTMA or UGMA accounts, where the children get control. You can open a plan in any state. Your child can go to college anywhere in the United States, regardless of which state plan you're in. You can enjoy these benefits regardless of your income level.