Kentucky College Cost Contribution Estimator

No, Kentucky courts cannot order divorced parents to contribute to college expenses. Under KRS 403.213, child support terminates at age 18 (or 19 if the child is still in high school). Kentucky is among approximately 34 states without statutory authority giving courts power to mandate post-majority educational support. Any college contribution must come from voluntary agreements negotiated during the divorce.

Since Kentucky courts cannot order college support, contribution terms are entirely negotiable between parents. Typical voluntary agreements consider each parent's income and assets, the child's academic performance, expected cost of attendance at specific schools, available scholarships and financial aid, and whether support covers public university costs only or extends to private institutions. Courts will enforce whatever terms parents agree to in their settlement.

Kentucky law imposes no statutory caps since courts cannot order college support. However, well-drafted voluntary agreements typically include cost limits, such as capping contribution at the cost of in-state public university tuition (approximately $12,000-$14,000 annually for Kentucky schools). Parents commonly specify 4-5 year duration limits, exclude graduate school, and may set maximum total contribution amounts.

Under 2024-2025 FAFSA rules, the parent who provides greater financial support completes the application—this replaced the previous rule using the parent the child lived with most. If support is exactly 50/50, the higher-income parent files. The filing parent must include stepparent income if remarried. Child support received counts as untaxed income, potentially affecting aid eligibility.

Kentucky does not permit joint ownership of 529 education savings accounts. The account owner maintains full control over contributions, withdrawals, and investment decisions. During divorce, ownership can transfer to the other parent through the settlement agreement—no QDRO is required since 529 plans are not retirement accounts. Each parent may also establish a separate 529 account naming the same child as beneficiary.

Yes, parents can create binding college contribution obligations through their marital settlement agreement, even though courts cannot independently order such support. Once agreed to and incorporated into the divorce decree, these provisions become fully enforceable—a parent who fails to pay as agreed can be held in contempt of court. Written agreements should specify contribution percentages, covered expenses, duration, and any conditions.

Kentucky has no statutory requirements for any college contribution, public or private. Parents negotiating voluntary agreements often cap obligations at public university costs (Kentucky in-state tuition averages $12,000-$14,000 annually) regardless of which school the child attends. If parents want private school coverage, they must explicitly agree to it—otherwise, the paying parent typically only owes the public school equivalent.

Court-ordered child support in Kentucky ends at age 18, or age 19 if the child is still completing high school—with no extension for college under KRS 403.213. For voluntary college agreements, parents typically specify duration: commonly 4 years of undergraduate study, ending at age 22 or 23, or upon obtaining a bachelor's degree. Graduate school is rarely included without explicit agreement.