[manacit]

This is interesting, but not altogether surprising.

As an urban 20-something, my parents helped me my covering the lion's share of my college costs. Once that was over, it was an unspoken agreement that I was completely on my own. Fortunately, I graduated with a job offer in hand as a SWE in the city of my choice, but that is far from the norm for the graduating classes in many majors.

If anything, I find the provided numbers feel too low - $250 a month in many metro areas is unlikely to be 'make it or break it' numbers (by my estimation). It's more that their parents are subsidizing a lifestyle in those urban areas.

At any rate, it's hard to blame people for getting help from their parents, though I can't say I would be excited to do so for my kids after a certain age (though, of course, I don't have any).

[twinkletwinkle]

It's an interesting balance. I'm the same as you, I received an incredible amount of help to pay for private college. I paid my way through grad school and now make a professional salary in an expensive city, entirely self supporting. I'm moderately proud of living below my means and also living "well".

I'd also be proud to be able to help my theoretical children, so it's easy to see the "other side" of the argument as such.