If you could, would you pay DC uni fees?

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DS2 is looking at University. DS1 didn't go and seems to have found a career path that suits him without it.

I hate hate hate the idea of him starting adult life with all that debt and I could pay the fees (and help with living expenses) up front.

I could pay without it making a difference to my standard of living or retirement plans, but it's very much a one off, there isn't more where that came from iyswim.

I'm not sure:

1. Because I haven't/can't do the same for DS1, although I could help him with a house deposit, maybe, it likely wouldn't be as much money and if I help DS1 with a deposit, but not DS2 because of the Uni money....?

1. I'm not actually sure it's a good thing to help them too much!

WWYD?

Helping with a house deposit would have a far bigger impact in terms of the interest DC would have to pay back.

I think what you do for one needs to be done for everyone

I'd say don't think of it as a debt, it's not a true debt in the normal sense of the word - the payments aren't horribly high and it doesn't count against you in life!

Perhaps help with living expenses during university, then at the end see if you want to pay off the fees?

Yes I agree, but DS1 didn't go to Uni. Giving him the cash isn't the same.

My Dsis went to university and I didn't (before tuition fees) Our parents would have supported us both if I'd wanted it, but it never occurred to me that I should have the cash.

If you can help financially save the money for a deposit on a first flat. Many students will never fully pay off their loans and the debts eventually get written off - though that is changing now. Read Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert - he is great on this. So on purely financial grounds no, this doesn't make sense. Emotionally I agree that's a lot of debt to be hanging over someone - but that's a different argument.

That said, the loans don't cover everything. Most parents seem to end up paying for the accommodation (if they have plenty of surplus funds) or at least the odd bit of cash/trip to the supermarket if funds are more limited. Good luck!