Paying for Education After High School Can Feel Overwhelming But It Doesn’t Have to Be

published July 1, 2026

For many families, paying for education after high school can feel intimidating before the journey even begins. Headlines about rising tuition, conversations about student loan debt, and the pressure to save "enough" can feel overwhelming, causing some families to pause and ask, "What's the point if I can't save for all of it?"

The truth is, planning for education, whether that's college, a trade school, an apprenticeship, or a certification program, doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a clear understanding of education expenses and a plan that fits your family, paying for education can become more manageable and far less mysterious.

Understanding the Full Cost of Education

Tuition is often the first expense that comes to mind, but it's only part of the total cost.

Education expenses may also include:

• Mandatory fees
• Housing and meals
• Books and supplies
• Technology, such as laptops, tools, or software
• Transportation and personal expenses

Understanding the full picture early can allow families to plan more confidently and avoid surprises later.

Education Paths, and Costs, Aren't One-Size-Fits-All

Not every student follows the same path after high school, and education costs can vary widely depending on the direction they choose.

Some students attend four-year universities, while others pursue:

• Technical or trade schools
• Apprenticeships or credentialing programs
• Graduate or professional education

Each option comes with different costs and timelines. Planning with flexibility in mind allows families to stay prepared, no matter which path their student takes.

You Don't Have to Pay for Education Alone

A common misconception is that families are expected to cover the full cost of education on their own. In reality, education funding often comes from multiple sources, including:

• Personal savings
• Scholarships and grants
• Student earnings or work-study programs
• Loans, when needed

Savings play an important role because they provide options. Even partial savings can reduce reliance on loans and give families greater control over how education is paid for.

The goal isn't to cover every dollar, it's to create choices.

Why Starting Early and Understanding Compounding Interest Can Make a Big Difference

Time is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to saving for education. Starting early can allow accumulated earnings to generate their own earnings, causing your account balance to potentially accelerate at an increasing rate. This is why starting earlier can have such a significant impact – the longer your money compounds the more powerful the effect becomes. Time, and the power of compounding, making the journey feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

Let's walk through a hypothetical example that can help bring this concept to life.

You make an initial contribution to a 529 account of $5,000. You are consistent about contributing $100 per month.

With a hypothetical 7.69% annual return, the compounded earnings added up to:

• 8 years = $20,559
• 12 years = $31,520
• 18 years = $53,584^*

Over time, the impact of compounding becomes more noticeable.

Many families are surprised by how small, consistent contributions can add up over time. While starting early gives savings more opportunity to potentially grow, it's never too late to begin. Whether your child is young or already planning their next steps after high school, having a plan in place can ease stress and build confidence.

The takeaway is simple: time matters more than timing. Starting early, even with small amounts, and contributing consistently can make a meaningful difference over time.

Preparing for Education Expenses: Small Steps That Can Build Confidence

Preparing for education expenses doesn't require having all the answers upfront. In fact, the most effective plans often start with simple, intentional steps that evolve over time.

One of the first ways families can prepare is by learning early and often. Understanding what education expenses may include, and how they can vary by school, program, or career path, helps families set realistic expectations long before bills arrive.

Another important step is setting a savings goal that feels achievable. Families don't need to aim for covering every dollar of future education costs. Identifying what's possible within your budget and committing to consistent progress is far more powerful than waiting until saving feels "perfect."

It's also important to revisit your plan regularly. As students grow and interests change, education plans may shift and that's okay. Reviewing goals, timelines, and options every few years helps ensure plans stay aligned with a student's future.

Finally, preparation includes starting conversations early, with children, family members, and trusted advisors. Talking openly about education costs and expectations helps normalize the planning process and reminds families they don't have to navigate it alone.

Preparing for education expenses isn't about eliminating uncertainty, it's about replacing hesitation with action, one step at a time.

Confidence Comes From Having a Plan

Planning for education is about turning uncertainty into clarity. When families understand potential costs and how savings fit into the bigger picture, planning for life after high school becomes less intimidating and more empowering.

Every family's situation is different and that's okay. What matters most is having a plan that aligns with your goals, your budget, and your student's future.

Because when it comes to paying for education, confidence is one of the most valuable investments you can make.

Key Takeaways: Paying for Education Doesn't Have to Be Intimidating

• Education costs go beyond tuition. Understanding the full range of expenses helps families plan with confidence.
• Every education path is different. Costs vary based on whether a student chooses college, trade school, apprenticeships, or certifications, making flexibility essential.
• You don't have to cover everything yourself. Savings, scholarships, grants, earnings, and other resources often work together.
• Starting early helps but starting at all matters most. Small, consistent contributions can make a meaningful difference over time.
• Having a plan builds confidence. When families understand their options, planning feels more manageable and far less stressful.

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Footnotes

1. To learn more about Wisconsin's Edvest 529 College Savings Plan, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses, see the Plan Description at Edvest.com before investing. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. Consult your legal or tax professional for tax advice. If the funds aren't used for qualified higher education expenses, a federal 10% penalty tax on earnings (as well as federal and state income taxes) may apply. Prior to investing, check with your home state to learn if it offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds or protection from creditors for investing in its own 529 plan. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor and underwriter for the Edvest 529 College Savings Plan.
2. Withdrawals for registered apprenticeship programs and recognized Postsecondary Credentialing Programs—including tuition, books, equipment, supplies for the enrollment or attendance, testing fees if required to obtain or maintain a Recognized Postsecondary Credential, fees for continuing education if required to maintain an RP Credential and therapies for students with disabilities—are exempt from federal and Wisconsin income tax. If you are not a Wisconsin taxpayer, these withdrawals may include recapture of tax deduction, state income tax as well as penalties. Consult a tax professional for guidance.
3. Apprenticeship programs must be registered and certified with the Secretary of Labor under the National Apprenticeship Act.
4. ^*Example Assumptions: Index performance data shown represents past performance and does not predict or guarantee future results. You cannot invest directly in any index. Index returns do not reflect a deduction for fees or expenses. ↩
5. This example shows the hypothetical growth of an initial investment of $5,000 and a monthly investment of $100 invested in a tax-deferred investment over 8, 12 and 18 years with an annual return of 7.69%. Performance represented by a standard balanced portfolio represented by 60% Russell 3000^® Index and 40% Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index average ten-year return (01/01/2008 to 12/31/2025). This illustration is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute advice. This material does not take into account any specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Be sure to consult your legal or tax professional for tax advice.
6. The Russell 3000^® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 US companies designed to represent approximately 98% of the investable US equity market. The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, US dollar denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market.

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