Do divorced parents have to pay for college in the US?
It depends on the state. Most states end child support at age 18 or high school graduation and do not require parents to fund college. However, some states — including New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Indiana — allow courts to order divorced parents to contribute to a child's college expenses, especially where a divorce agreement addresses it.
How is college support divided between parents?
Where courts can order it, college costs are typically divided in proportion to each parent's income (and sometimes the child's own resources), after subtracting scholarships, grants, and the child's expected contribution. Courts often reference the cost of an in-state public university (a 'Rutgers cap' style limit) rather than the most expensive private option.
Is a child expected to contribute to their own college costs?
Yes, in states that order college support, courts commonly expect the student to contribute through part-time work, savings, 529 plan funds, student loans, scholarships, and grants before the parents split the remaining cost. The child's contribution reduces the net amount the parents share.
Can a college-support obligation be written into a divorce agreement?
Yes. Even in states that would not otherwise require it, parents can voluntarily agree in a marital settlement agreement to share future college costs. Once incorporated into a court order, that agreement is generally enforceable, so the terms — caps, percentages, and the child's contribution — should be defined carefully.