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Does Child Support Continue Through College?
Whether child support continues while a child attends college depends entirely on the state. Most states end child support at age 18 (or 19 if still in high school), regardless of college enrollment. However, approximately 16 states have statutes that allow courts to order one or both parents to contribute to a child's college education expenses.
This is one of the most significant differences in child support law across states. A parent in New Jersey may be required to help pay for college until the child graduates, while a parent in Texas has no legal obligation to pay anything once the child turns 18 and graduates high school.
Even in states that do not mandate college support, parents can voluntarily agree to contribute to college expenses in their divorce settlement or separation agreement. Such agreements are enforceable as contracts.
States That Can Order College Support
The following table shows which states can order parents to contribute to college expenses and key details about each state's rules:
| State | College Support? | Age Limit | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | 19 | Support to 19 if attending college; may extend for special needs |
| Alaska | No | 18/19 | Ends at 18 or high school graduation |
| Arizona | No | 18 | Ends at 18; no college provision |
| California | No | 18/19 | Ends at 18 or high school graduation; voluntary agreements only |
| Colorado | No | 19 | Ends at 19; no college provision |
| Connecticut | Yes | 23 | May order support to 23 if full-time student |
| Florida | No | 18 | Ends at 18; no college provision |
| Georgia | No | 18/20 | Ends at 18 or 20 if still in high school |
| Hawaii | Yes | 23 | May extend to 23 for full-time students |
| Illinois | Yes | 23 | Can order college expenses (tuition, fees, room, books) |
| Indiana | Yes | 21 | May order postsecondary education expenses to 21 |
| Iowa | Yes | 22 | May order support to 22 if full-time student |
| Massachusetts | Yes | 23 | May extend to 23 if full-time student, or 21 otherwise |
| Michigan | No | 18/19.5 | Ends at 19.5 if still in high school |
| Mississippi | Yes | 21 | May extend to 21 if full-time student |
| Missouri | Yes | 21 | May order education costs to 21 |
| New Hampshire | Yes | 21+ | May order support through college |
| New Jersey | Yes | No fixed limit | Most expansive; support for unemancipated child attending college |
| New York | Yes | 21 | Support to 21; may include college expenses |
| North Carolina | No | 18 | Ends at 18 or high school graduation |
| Ohio | No | 18/19 | Ends at 19 if still in high school |
| Oregon | Yes | 21 | May extend to 21 if child is attending school |
| Pennsylvania | No | 18 | Ends at 18; Kesseler rule (2014) eliminated college support |
| South Carolina | Yes | College grad | May order support through college graduation |
| Tennessee | No | 18 | Ends at 18 or high school graduation |
| Texas | No | 18 | Ends at 18 or high school graduation |
| Utah | Yes | 21 | May order continued support to 21 for full-time students |
| Virginia | No | 18/19 | Ends at 19 if still in high school full-time |
| Washington | Yes | 23 | May order postsecondary support to 23 if dependent student |
| Wisconsin | No | 18/19 | Ends at 19 or high school graduation |
This table shows a representative selection of states. Contact your state's family court for the most current rules.
What College Expenses Are Typically Covered
In states that allow college support, courts may order parents to contribute to:
- Tuition and mandatory fees — Often capped at the cost of a public in-state university
- Room and board — Whether on-campus or off-campus housing
- Books and supplies — Required textbooks and educational materials
- Transportation — Costs of traveling to and from college
- Personal expenses — Reasonable living costs (in some states)
Factors Courts Consider
- Each parent's financial ability to contribute
- The child's academic record and aptitude for higher education
- Available financial aid, scholarships, and grants
- The child's own resources and ability to contribute (part-time work, savings)
- The family's pre-separation educational expectations
- Whether the child consulted with the non-custodial parent about college choices
When Child Support Ends: Age Limits by State
Even setting college aside, states differ on when basic child support ends:
Ends at 18
Most states: TX, FL, CA (if graduated), GA, AZ, NC, PA, OH, TN, and many others
Ends at 19
If still in high school: AL, CO, VA, NE, NM, SD, and several others
Ends at 21
NY, IN, MO, MS, OR (if in school), and others for college students
Ends at 23+
CT, HI, IL, MA, WA for full-time students; NJ has no fixed age limit
How to Request College Support
If you are in a state that allows college support, here is how to request it:
- Review your existing order — Check if your divorce decree or custody order already addresses college expenses
- File a petition — If not already addressed, file a petition with the family court requesting college support
- Document expenses — Gather tuition bills, room and board costs, financial aid award letters, and scholarship information
- Show financial ability — Prepare evidence of both parents' income and assets
- Demonstrate the child's qualifications — Provide transcripts, acceptance letters, and academic records
Timing is important. Many states require the request be made before the child reaches a certain age or starts college. Consult a family law attorney in your state for specific deadlines and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the state. Only about 16 states can order child support to continue through college. Most states terminate support at age 18 or 19 (high school graduation). States that may order college support include Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Washington.
States that can order college support include: Alabama (19 or college), Connecticut (to 23 if full-time student), Hawaii (to 23), Illinois (college expenses), Indiana (to 21), Iowa (to 22 if full-time), Massachusetts (to 23), Missouri (to 21), New Hampshire (to 21 or college), New Jersey (no specific age limit), New York (to 21), Oregon (to 21 if attending school), South Carolina (to college graduation), and Washington (to 23 if dependent student).
Where states allow college support, covered expenses typically include tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, books and supplies. Some states also cover transportation and personal expenses. The amount may be capped at the cost of a public in-state university. The child's financial aid, scholarships, and expected contribution are usually factored in.
In most states, child support ends at 18 unless the child is still in high school. About 10 states extend to 19 for high school students. Some states allow extension to 21 or beyond for college students or children with disabilities. Never stop paying without a court order terminating your obligation.
In most states that allow college support, the child must be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution. Part-time students may not qualify. Some states also require the child to maintain satisfactory academic progress. If the child drops out or falls below full-time status, the obligation may be suspended or terminated.
In most states, the original divorce decree or custody order should address college support. However, some states allow a parent to petition for college support even after the divorce is finalized. The request must typically be made before the child reaches a certain age. Courts consider factors like the parents' financial ability, the child's academic ability, and the family's educational expectations.