Question

Suppose the college freshman in Nelson v. Robinson was admitted to Auburn University as well as the local community college. Not to take anything away from community college, but Auburn is a fine four year university. Not surprisingly, the student chooses Auburn. Problem is, Auburn is expensive. On July 11,2012 , the Auburn website listed in-state tuition as $9,446. Room and board, $10,606. Books and supplies, add $1,100. Mom drives a school bus, dad works construction. Are the parents obligated to send their daughter to Auburn over the more affordable community college? Can/should a family court judge order either or both parents to pony up the cost of an Auburn education?

Answer 1

Parents are not automatically obligated to fund their child's education at a more expensive university like Auburn over a community college, and a family court's authority to order parents to cover such costs varies based on specific legal standards and circumstances.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to whether parents are legally obligated to finance their child's education at an expensive institution like Auburn University, as opposed to a more affordable community college, and if a family court judge can order the parents to cover the costs of such an education.

The financial struggle for paying college expenses due to the significant rise in tuition over the years is evident. Between 1980 and 2020, the average tuition and fees at a 4-year public university skyrocketed from $738 to $9,349, while median household income saw a comparatively modest increase from about $20,000 to $67,000.

College costs, including tuition, fees, room and board, have more than doubled since 1984, outlining the immense challenge of paying for higher education with a minimum wage job, which earns substantially less before taxes than the average annual cost of attending a public university.