Louisiana College Cost Contribution Estimator

No, Louisiana courts lack statutory authority to order divorced parents to contribute to college expenses. Under La. R.S. § 9:315.22, child support ends automatically at age 18, with limited extensions only for secondary school students (until age 19) or children with developmental disabilities (until age 22). Post-secondary educational support cannot be court-ordered without parental consent.

Because Louisiana courts cannot order college contribution, factors only matter when parents negotiate voluntary agreements. Key considerations include each parent's income and assets, the child's academic performance, whether the child will attend public or private school, availability of financial aid and scholarships, and whether 529 plans exist. Courts enforce these contractual agreements once incorporated into the divorce decree.

Louisiana has no statutory cap since college support cannot be court-ordered. However, parents negotiating voluntary agreements commonly cap contributions at in-state public university equivalent costs. For 2024-25, Louisiana public university tuition averages $9,000-$12,000 annually. Well-drafted agreements should specify exact dollar limits or percentage caps to prevent future disputes.

Under federal rules applying to all states including Louisiana, the parent providing the majority of financial support completes the FAFSA—not necessarily the custodial parent. If that parent has remarried, stepparent income must be reported regardless of prenuptial agreements. Child support received from the non-custodial parent must also be disclosed on the application.

In Louisiana's community property system, 529 plans funded during marriage are marital assets subject to 50/50 division—they do not automatically belong to the child. Courts may freeze accounts, order them split between spouses, or stipulate funds may only be used for the designated child's education. Parents can negotiate account ownership transfer to optimize FAFSA positioning.

Yes, Louisiana parents can contractually agree to college contribution in their divorce settlement, and courts will enforce these provisions. Include specific terms: percentage of costs each parent covers, types of expenses (tuition, housing, books), caps at in-state public rates, duration (four consecutive years), GPA requirements, and mandatory financial aid applications. Once the judge approves the agreement, it becomes an enforceable court order.

No, Louisiana has no requirement for any college contribution—public or private—because courts cannot order post-majority educational support. When parents negotiate voluntary agreements, they typically cap obligations at Louisiana public university rates ($9,000-$12,000/year tuition). Parents agreeing to private school costs should specify exact dollar limits to avoid disputes over $50,000+ annual private university expenses.

Louisiana has no statutory college support obligation, so there is no legally mandated end age. Child support under La. R.S. § 9:315.22 terminates at 18 (or 19 for secondary students, 22 for those with developmental disabilities). When parents create voluntary college agreements, they typically specify support through age 22-23 or completion of a four-year degree, whichever occurs first.