US Media: Raising a college graduate in the United States incurs substantial long-term expenses.
Child-rearing costs vary significantly across states, averaging between $19,000 and $44,000 annually, with Massachusetts reaching as high as $44,200. College cost increases far outpace wage growth: in 1986, tuition at a public four-year university equaled about 11 weeks of income, but by 2026 this has risen to nearly 30 weeks. For the 2025–26 academic year, total budget estimates stand at approximately $31,000 for in-state public universities, and as high as $65,500 for private non-profit institutions, with some elite schools charging over $75,000 in tuition alone.
Many families jointly prepare for education funding through 529 education savings plans, investment accounts, retirement savings, and personal savings from students themselves.
Original Article: toutiao.com/article/1875141705410560/
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