College is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with plenty of questions, especially for parents. How do I do taxes when they’re out of my house? Should they take out a private student loan? What do we do about the cross-country move? Between admissions, financial aid, taxes, and move-in day, there's a new decision waiting around every corner.
The good news is that you don't have to figure it all out on your own. Whether your student is just beginning the college search or getting ready to graduate, we’ll answer some of the most common questions from parents to help you navigate the journey.
Most students begin researching colleges during their junior year of high school and submit applications during the fall of their senior year. Starting early gives your family more time to compare schools, apply for scholarships, and make an informed decision.
Every college has its own deadlines, so be sure to check admissions requirements well in advance. If you're considering Southern Virginia University, our admissions team is always happy to help you build a timeline that works for your family.
At most colleges and universities, undergraduate students are considered full-time when they're enrolled in 12 or more credit hours each semester. Many students take closer to 15 credits to stay on pace for graduation in four years.
Full-time enrollment can affect financial aid, scholarships, housing, and other student benefits, so it's a good idea to talk with your student's academic advisor before making changes to their course load.
Most college students take four to six classes each semester, depending on how many credits each course is worth. The right schedule depends on your student's academic goals, extracurricular commitments, and personal responsibilities.
In many cases, yes. Parents are often able to claim a college student as a dependent if they meet certain IRS requirements related to age, enrollment, residency, and financial support. Every family's tax situation is different, so it's best to review the current IRS guidelines or speak with a tax professional to determine what's right for you.
It depends. Whether a college student needs to file taxes is based largely on how much income they earn and the type of income they receive. However, many students can qualify for education credits when they file their taxes.
If your student worked during the year, they may be required to file a tax return or choose to file one to receive a refund. The IRS provides up-to-date guidance on filing requirements, and a tax professional can help answer questions specific to your family's situation.
A Parent PLUS Loan is a federal loan that allows parents of dependent undergraduate students to help cover the cost of college. Unlike student loans, the parent, not the student, is responsible for repaying the loan.
Both Parent PLUS Loans and private loans can help families pay for college, but they aren't quite the same:
|
Parent PLUS Loan |
Private Loan |
|
Offered by the federal government |
Offered by banks, credit unions, and private lenders |
|
Fixed interest rate |
Fixed or variable interest rates |
|
Federal repayment and forgiveness options may apply |
Repayment options vary by lender |
|
Credit check required |
Credit and lending requirements vary |
The best option depends on your specific financial situation. Before borrowing, compare interest rates, repayment terms, and borrower protections to determine which loan makes the most sense for your student.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your student’s first resource for financial aid and federal loans. Learn how to fill out the FAFSA as a parent.
Scholarships are one of the best ways to afford college. Encourage your student to explore:
At some colleges, students may also qualify for scholarships that recognize academic achievement, leadership, missionary service, and other accomplishments. SVU rewards prior experience and service with up to 12 credits toward a student’s degree.
A part-time or on-campus job could provide your student with valuable work experience and extra income. However, it's important to find a balance between work and academics.
Many colleges recommend working no more than 10 to 20 hours per week during the semester. This gives students time to keep up with coursework, participate in campus life, and maintain healthy routines.
The best laptop depends on your student's major and how they'll use it. Most students need a reliable computer with a long battery life, enough storage for coursework, and the ability to run common academic software. Before making a purchase, check your college's recommended technology requirements.
Business and engineering majors tend to do well with a PC laptop that can run industry-standard software, while graphic design and other creative majors often prefer a MacBook or other Apple laptop. Both options can handle most college coursework, so budget and personal preference are reasonable factors in your decision.
Some colleges, like Southern Virginia University, offer built-in technology benefits. Learn more about getting an iPad for every student.
Moving away to college can feel overwhelming, especially if your student is far from home. But in every moving situation, a little planning goes a long way. Before move-in day:
The move to college is the beginning of a new chapter for your student. While it's natural to feel emotional, your encouragement can help make the transition a positive one.
SVU makes it easy to get a taste of campus life before move-in day, even if you’re across the country. Learn more about our reimbursement for traveling families.
As your student prepares for college, it's natural to want to help every step of the way. While your role may look different than it did in high school, your support still matters. Here are a few ways you can help your student thrive during their college journey.
Encourage Independence: College is where students begin making important decisions on their own. Give your student room to solve problems, ask questions, and advocate for themselves, even if it means letting them make a few mistakes along the way.
Stay Connected (Without Hovering): Regular check-ins are a way to support your student without them feeling micromanaged. A weekly phone call or text is often enough to stay connected while giving them the space to build their own routines and responsibilities.
Focus on Growth, Not Perfection: Every student experiences challenges in college, whether it's a difficult class, homesickness, or uncertainty about the future. Instead of expecting a perfect college experience, encourage your student to see setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
Support the Whole Student: College isn't just about earning a degree. It's a time to develop character, build meaningful relationships, strengthen faith, and prepare for a life of purpose. Celebrate your student's personal growth just as much as their academic achievements.
At the end of the day, your student doesn't need you to have all the answers. They simply need to know you're in their corner. A steady source of encouragement can make all the difference as they navigate one of the most transformative seasons of their life.
At Southern Virginia University, we believe that parents and guardians play a critical role in their student's success. That's why we created a comprehensive guide filled with practical advice, helpful checklists, and resources to support your family through every stage of the college journey, from application to graduation.
Whether you're comparing colleges, preparing for move-in day, or simply wondering what to expect next, we're here to help.
Download the guide, Supporting Your Student’s Journey: A Guardian's Guide to Southern Virginia University to access everything you need in one place and learn how Southern Virginia University helps students grow academically, spiritually, and personally.