How much should I be setting aside for College

[tripods68]

Because I have service connected disability rating from VA (0%) and living in California. My kids tuitions are free if they attend any state-owned school in California (UC, CSU, or Community Colleges). It even covers graduate school. So I'm hoping my kids won't have to travel outside California when they can remain attend UCLA or Berkeley for free.

UC cost right now is about $12K per year while CSU about $6K. Still not bad but in 15 years, who knows. So the only expenses we are saving for them are living expenses.

[CouponAddict]

Because I have service connected disability rating from VA (0%) and living in California. My kids tuitions are free if they attend any state-owned school in California (UC, CSU, or Community Colleges). It even covers graduate school. So I'm hoping my kids won't have to travel outside California when they can remain attend UCLA or Berkeley for free.

UC cost right now is about $12K per year while CSU about $6K. Still not bad but in 15 years, who knows. So the only expenses we are saving for them are living expenses.

What program is this under???
When you said your comment I found the DEA Chapter 35 Program but that requires a 100% permanent SC diability, or death with any rating. Is this program that you mentioned something your state does or is it a VA thing??

[CouponAddict]

What program is this under???
When you said your comment I found the DEA Chapter 35 Program but that requires a 100% permanent SC diability, or death with any rating. Is this program that you mentioned something your state does or is it a VA thing??

I found my own answer: State program

COLLEGE TUITION FEE WAIVERS FOR VETERANS’ DEPENDENTS

THE BENEFITS
Waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University or University of California campus.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
Plan A:
The spouse, registered domestic partner, child (under the age of 27) or unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who is totally service-connected disabled, or who has died of service-connected causes may qualify.
Plan B:
The child of a veteran who has a permanent service-connected disability. The child’s income and value of support provided by a parent cannot exceed the national poverty level.
*Note that all students must meet California residency requirements.

WHERE TO APPLY
Contact your local County Veterans Service Office (located in the county government section of your telephone book or at _________) to obtain an application, information and to apply for benefits under this program. Additional information and an application form is available on this site at _____________________. Sorry had to take out because of my post number.


Almost worth moving to california for.......But what does value of support mean? and how do you know the program will be in effect in 14 years?

Our state has a program but the VET has to be KIA, die from Wounds or service related causes, or be 100% disabled by SR causes, or be a POW or MIA. But it is limited to 45 months and it goes to a bacholars degree only. (My plan save $25-$50 a month in a 529 and if free funding comes take the 10% penalty on any extra I have saved in the 529 and be thankful my DS did not have to pay more)

[tripods68]

I'm glad you found it.

It's a terrific program for any service connected disabled veterans with any rating. My brother is currently on this program (step dad has 10% disability rating) which he pays zero tuitions. Since he is still living at home with my parents he doesn't pay anything excepts books and gas.

I worked for CDVA back in the mid 90s and I was one of the program support/manager that help design this application. In fact, I still have former coworkers that I remain in contacts. Who knows what's going to happen to this program. The program is currently supported by General Funds. The Program has a overwhelming supports from many veterans dependents community throughout the state. The program has strong support from both side of the isles. So I tend to believe this program will continue to exist for a long time. At least I hope

The value support is based on income of the student from previous tax year. I think the limit is 10K. So students can work but can't show AGI income higher than $10K to qualify.

[maat55]

Relax guy's, I helped my kids through college also, but they do have small SL debt which one will have paid off this year. The other one we are helping with hers. Spoiled little brats.

[CouponAddict]

I'm glad you found it.

It's a terrific program for any service connected disabled veterans with any rating. My brother is currently on this program (step dad has 10% disability rating) which he pays zero tuitions. Since he is still living at home with my parents he doesn't pay anything excepts books and gas.

The value support is based on income of the student from previous tax year. I think the limit is 10K. So students can work but can't show AGI income higher than $10K to qualify.

So the parents income doesn't play into it. DS should just join a bunch of clubs (band, chess, speach, basketball etc) and not work and he will get free tuition. If so this is another reason for my DH to keep trying to convince me to move to CA.

[tripods68]

Not at all. It solely based on student's earned income.