if the medium house income of the country is about 50K, most parents will struggle between their own retirement and kid's education. I still remember the first line from CNN webpage about this topic: Parents' retirement is always first, because kids can fiance their education, and nobody can finance their retirement. I made it very clearly to my kids--I don;t want to be their burden when I am aged.
This is not gaming the system. A responsible parents should plan in advance for kids' education with limited resource. I am still glad I prepared in advance and my daughter's 4 year college went very smooth. If you are rich, no plan needed, congratulation to you. I also want you know that your kids likely have an edge to get into a good college since all colleges are struggled with their budget, and kids with no finance-aid need will benefit.
