Parents of university students are increasingly making financial sacrifices to support their children's education, according to recent research. Nearly 80% of parents whose children attend university have made some kind of financial adjustment, with the average monthly contribution reaching £435—equating to over £5,200 annually. Almost half (48%) of these parents report feeling financial strain, and nearly a third (29%) have used savings meant for other purposes to help with university costs. Some 15% of parents have taken on extra work or a second job, while 13% reduced their pension contributions and 10% delayed retirement to continue supporting their child. University tuition fees in England have risen sharply since they were introduced in 1998, increasing by 879%. Today, the annual tuition fee is £9,790 before additional living expenses. With inflation expected to stay above 3% through 2026, families face growing financial pressure as the cost of living continues to rise. Fred Powell, Head of Current Accounts at Nationwide, noted that the cost of university education can have a significant impact on the entire family. He suggested that careful budgeting and taking advantage of available deals can help both parents and students manage these financial pressures more effectively. Alexandra Loydon, group advice director at St. James’s Place, emphasized the importance of planning ahead. She recommended using regular savings, such as those in a Junior ISA, to spread the cost of university over several years. Loydon also encouraged families to have open discussions about whether financial support for university is intended as a gift or a loan. She warned against taking on unmanageable debt or neglecting pension contributions, which can have long-term financial consequences. PensionBee, a digital pensions platform, pointed out that £1.5 billion remains in forgotten Child Trust Funds. These funds, set up to support children’s future needs, could help eligible individuals cover part of their university costs if they are claimed.