Parents still saving for college despite pandemic: Fidelity

Parents still saving for college despite pandemic: Fidelity
The survey found families are only on track to cover 33% of their savings goals
SEP 22, 2020

Despite the pandemic, a record high 78% of parents have already put money away for college, according to an annual study of college savings trends by Fidelity Investments.

That figure is substantially higher than the 58% who had started saving when the study first began in 2007, Fidelity said, but noted that parents are still falling short on funding their college savings goals.

“Parents hope to pay for 65% of their children’s college education, but they are only on track to cover 33% of that goal, up from 28% in 2018,” Fidelity said in a release.

The study found that 71% of parents are concerned about COVID-19’s impact on their ability to save for college and 32% are not even sure what college will cost by the time their children enroll. Nevertheless, only 9% of parents plan to decrease contributions to their children’s college savings this year.

The survey found that if distance learning becomes more common down the road, 36% of parents say they will have their child attend a less expensive college since they would not want to pay full tuition for virtual classes. Still, 77% of parents agree college is worth its cost, and 81% believe their children feel the same way.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.