It should come as no surprise to a parent that the cost of sending a child to college is an expense which continues to rise year over year. The average annual total tuition and fees at four-year public colleges and universities in 2009-10 were $6,585. Throw in room and board and the total cost climbed to $15,210. The information contained in this book attempts to summarize the various savings vehicles and college funding options available to most Americans today. While the costs to attend college may be imposing for many families, the costs associated with not going to college are likely to be much greater.