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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]How does the middle class in our area afford college? We are solid middle class in Fairfax (based on the Pew Research tool), which absolutely puts us out of the running for the schools with free tuition and any need-based grants. The same jobs (education and non-profit) in SW VA would likely qualify us for those opportunities because they would have a lower incomes (and we'd have a bigger house).

We will have about $50-60K in our 504 when our oldest is ready to start college. We are trying to save for retirement too. Our kiddos are academically strong with great EC, but anything more than $20 year would literally break us financially.

Is the only option community college for two years?

[/quote]

If 20K is your max, add student loans (5.5K first year), student working during the summer (3K-5K) and working during the school year (another 2-3K) and that’s about 33K.  Kids also use AP credits and dual enrollment to graduate a semester or year early. Some also RA, live at home and commute, or live very cheaply off campus (without needing to purchase full meal plan) to save on living expenses. Also not sure if they still offer it but University if Alabama had full tuition scholarships for National Merit Finalists above s certain GPA.

Bottom line is yes there are options, however it’s not going to be about getting into the best school based on grades and great ECs but rather best school that family can afford and you want to have that baked into the college list early on.[/quote]

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