Who Pays for College?

Who Pays for College?

Planning college after a divorce is tough – especially for high-income families. In Connecticut, courts generally only require parents to cover up to the UConn in-state cost (the UConn Cap), even if the child attends a pricier private or out-of-state school. Courts don’t automatically set higher contributions; a judge first has to determine what parents would have paid if the family stayed intact, weighing income/assets, academics, and financial aid. Bottom line: the court sets
the floor, not the ceiling. Smart, proactive planning—often using 529s and clear agreements—can help decide how costs beyond the UConn Cap are shared, with the right divorce attorney guiding the process.