Parents less worried about paying for college, some still leaning on student loans, survey finds By Erika Giovanetti article From college cost "sticker shock" to dipping into college savings, parents are feeling more confident in paying for college in 2021 than they were in 2020, according to a new survey. (iStock) The pandemic cast a shadow over the finances of many American families, and the rising cost of college remains a roadblock for young adults who want to attain higher education. But despite the challenges, parents are more confident about funding a college education for their children in 2021, according to a recent survey.