Summary
This report, How America Pays for College 2025, examines the perspectives of enrolled undergraduate students and their parents regarding higher education financing. It analyzes various funding sources, including parental income, savings, scholarships, grants, and borrowed funds, while evaluating trends in payment strategies over time. The 18th edition builds on previous insights into families' experiences with the financial aid process, such as researching scholarships, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and interpreting financial aid award offers from educational institutions. Additionally, the report investigates the use of artificial intelligence tools by families during the college application process. The research involved an online survey with 1,000 parents and 1,000 undergraduate students, conducted between April 8 and May 8, 2025. The findings reflect average financial behaviors and attitudes towards college funding, providing a comprehensive view of how families navigate the costs associated with higher education.
