DC going to uni; DC doing an apprenticeship

[universitytips]

Inspired by the "DC with savings ..." thread, this is our current dilemma that we are musing over.

We've been in the position to put some money away for our two DC over the years in their child trust funds. The idea was that this was to cover university costs in lieu of parental top up to the maintenance loan.
The funds have got to about 15K each, so we've achieved roughly what we were aiming for.

Here is the dilemma.

DS has chosen to do a degree apprenticeship. So he's getting a salary, and is still living in the family home and paying (minimal) board. He's bought a car out of his CTF, and put the rest into savings.

DD wants to go away to university. (Her subject doesn't lend itself to an apprenticeship even if she wanted to do one). If she uses her CTF to support herself then she'll have no savings left (and student debt) when she finishes.

We are musing over whether we should look to give her extra money to support herself at university so she has a lump sum to spend as DS did, or if the "fair" thing is to say that we've given them both the same money and it was up to them to spend it how they wanted?

Thanks @NotDonna that’s an idea.At the moment he’s desperate for independence/to move out but he’s also quite financially astute and I’m not sure he’d like seeing all his money go on rent and bills if he moved out!

It’s really tricky when kids take different routes. And student finance can change and courses can be longer or cities more expensive or someone needs a car.

I agree it’s the perception of fairness that’s important and treating them fairly for us has meant making sure they get what they need rather than exactly the same amount of money.

Our first needed quite a big top up at uni.

Our second got an apprenticeship in an expensive city so needed help with accommodation costs.

Our 3rd is doing an Allied Health Professional course so gets a bursary which the other 2 didn’t.

Then there’s the rent deposit for next year, the new tyres…

Tricky one. A degree apprentice is a harder way to get the degree. Our son was hoping to get one but had now decided he wants the full Uni experience with time to join clubs/ societies and have some fun. It will be his choice and his debt to pay off. I have no idea how to make it fair but just saying he is making a bit of a sacrifice to get his degree that way.