Different countries (and in my country, Canada, different provinces within the country) have different pricing structures for school. When I went to University, the one I chose was considered the second best in the country and was one of the least expensive because it was in a lower priced province.

I was lucky enough to have had parents who planned ahead for school and they were able to help me go. I just checked the tuition fees of my old school and one year of study there now costs as much as it did for my four year program. It's unlikely I would have been able to count on the 50/50 deal I had with my parents given this pricing schedule.

A quick look at the university's "financial matters" area shows they realize post secondary education is expensive. They recommend applying for scholarships, grants, applying for awards, work study, applying for financial aid, and part time jobs.

I paid for my half of school with a part time job and, in my last year of school, financial aid (which I just finished paying well over a decade later). I also tutored which paid well at the time.

As the mother of 18 month old twins, I'm already beginning to save for their educations. Given that I'll be paying for two children, I'll be encouraging them to get part time jobs when they're old enough to do so. (I'll also be sincerely hoping we win the lottery before then but I'm not holding my breath.)

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