Recent reports show that the average cost of room and board at public colleges is nearly $13,000 per year, or over $50,000 over four years. That’s in addition to the average in-state, four-year tuition of $11,610 at public colleges. Putting your child through college is more expensive than ever, and many families are starting to explore options that can help reduce college costs.
For parents watching their budgets, asking your student to live at home might not have been Plan A, but it could be the most realistic option right now. And that’s okay.
It’s natural to worry about what this might mean for their college experience. But staying home doesn’t have to take away from their education or growth. If anything, it can offer a soft landing while they adjust to college life, save money and stay focused on their future.
But what does this truly mean for both of you? And how can you make it work in a way that supports their learning and your budget? Let’s find out.
Why More College Students Are Living at Home to Save Money
For many students, living away from home used to be a big part of the college experience. But with the cost of everything going up, more families are rethinking what makes sense.
Here are some reasons why many students—and their families—may choose to stay home, or in some cases, decide that living away still feels right:
Pros:
- Skip paying for rent or campus housing.
- Fewer daily expenses, such as no vending machines or late-night pizza splurges.
- Home-cooked meals can be cheaper and more nutritious.
- Staying home cuts out a lot of late-night distractions
- Home can offer a more peaceful place for your student to concentrate and recharge
Cons:
- Frequent commutes lead gas or public transit costs to add up.
- College students lose some independence or feel tethered to a “home base.”
- Campus events and late-night study sessions are harder to join.
Note:
Living at home doesn’t work for everyone, and that’s fine. For some students, the savings far outweigh the trade-offs. And for others, the full college experience is worth the extra cost. The most important thing is finding what fits your family’s budget and your student’s well-being.
Should Parents Ask Their College Students to Help Cover College Costs?
Families are finding that sharing the responsibility can make the journey feel a little less heavy for everyone, and many now expect students to help out.
Parents might ask their child to work part-time or save up before school starts. For many, it’s less about the money itself and more about teaching responsibility and teamwork. And students often feel more confident when they’re pitching in, even in small ways.
Moreover, a 2025 College Savings Foundation (CSF) survey found that many students are well aware of how expensive college can be. And a lot of them say they’ll do their part to help pay for it. That could mean taking extra work shifts, signing up for work-study programs, or getting a part-time job to help with daily living costs.
Note:
It’s important to keep balance in mind. A part-time job can help with bills, but the main goal is still academics. If your student is too tired from work, their grades may go down, and that’s a bigger cost in the long run. Encourage them to find that sweet spot where work supports their education, not replaces it.
What Can You Do to Lower College Bills?
There a several other things families can do besides asking children to pitch in or live at home all four years that can help make college costs more affordable. From taking advantage of community resources to finding creative ways to cover small gaps, a little planning can add up in a big way. Here’s how you can make steady progress and cut down the stress without overextending your budget:
- Look for grants and scholarships your student might qualify for. These don’t have to be paid back and can make a big difference.
- Check if in-state tuition or residency discounts apply. This can help you save thousands compared to out-of-state rates.
- Compromise by having your student live at home for a year or two to cut down on housing and meal costs but still allow them to have a more traditional college experience.
- Explore community college or online classes for general education credits before transferring to a four-year school to save money.
Tip:
Even if you can’t cover every cost, every small step makes a difference. You don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to do it alone. What matters most is showing your student that there are options and that you’re working through it together.
Saving Money on College: Private vs Public School Breakdown
If families are set on having their child live on campus but can’t afford room and board plus the cost of tuition, one possible solution could be going with an in-state public college. These usually offer the lowest tuition. Private schools may bring certain perks, but the price tag is steep, and the payoff isn’t always guaranteed. It helps to sit down as a family and look at the numbers side by side before making the call.
- In-state public average tuition: About $9,750 per year
- Out-of-state tuition: Roughly $28,297
- Private colleges: Average $28,501 per year
Tip:
Remind your student that value isn’t always about prestige. A strong program at a public school can set them up for success without crushing debt. And scholarships or grants can make even private options more affordable than they first appear.
The Bottom Line
With college costs where they are today, it’s normal to feel worried about how you’ll make it all work. Yes, you may not get through college without some tough choices. But you can make choices that feel right for your family, your budget and your student.
Every family’s path looks different, and that’s okay. What matters most is open conversation and a plan that reduces stress, not adds to it. You don’t need all the answers right now; you just need to keep moving forward together.
