Justin Stivers

By Justin Stivers Financial stability is a goal we’re all working to achieve and maintain, especially in recent years. While economic insecurity is not a new problem, the issue has only been exacerbated in this post-pandemic era. Between 2014 and 2016, one in three households with children could not pay for adequate housing, food, or utilities according to data from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

It’s no secret that getting a college degree comes with a hefty price tag. According to a report from Education Data Initiative, the average annual cost of tuition in the United States in 2024 is $38,270. This price includes books, supplies and living expenses. That number goes down a bit for students attending college in-state, with the average annual cost being $27,146, or $108,584 for four years.