Key Takeaways:According to Sallie Mae, parents pay an average of 49% of their kids’ college costs. Helping your child pay for college doesn’t have to hurt your retirement savings or credit score—or force you to take on credit card debt. According to the 2025 How America Pays for College survey from Sallie Mae, parents paid 49% of the average student’s college costs. Helping Your Kid Pay for College Doesn’t Have to Hurt Your FinancesThe bottom line for parents in today’s high-cost world of college tuition is simple: Yes, it’s great to help pay for college. If your kid’s college costs are driving you into credit card debt, reevaluate how much you’re paying.