schools
Only 1 in 3 parents able to fully fund college for their kid
By Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· June 24, 2026
· 3 min read
Talker News | Talker
Half of parents admit they have “no idea” how they’re going to afford their kids’ college education, according to new research.
A survey of 500 parents of high school seniors who intend to enroll in a four-year university this fall and 500 parents of current four-year univers...
Key takeaway According to the survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of College Ave, the average parent saved nearly $37,000 ($36,680.
Why this matters in The Odessa
In the Odessa community, where a college education is highly valued, these survey results have significant implications. With only a third of parents able to fully fund their child's college education, many local families will be forced to explore alternative financial strategies, such as taking out loans or having their child work part-time. This could have a ripple effect on the local economy, as parents take on second jobs or make financial sacrifices to support their child's education. Furthermore, the fact that 72% of parents are concerned about juggling college expenses with other financial obligations suggests that many Odessa families may be shouldering a significant financial burden. As a result, local organizations and financial institutions may need to develop targeted resources and support services to help families navigate the complex and often daunting process of paying for college.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Talker News | Talker
Half of parents admit they have “no idea” how they’re going to afford their kids’ college education, according to new research.
A survey of 500 parents of high school seniors who intend to enroll in a four-year university this fall and 500 parents of current four-year univers...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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