Iowa Child Support and College Expenses

Article written by Illinois Attorney Kevin O’Flaherty

In this article, we explain Iowa child support and college expenses. We answer the questions “do I have to pay for college expenses in Iowa?”, “how is ‘good cause’ determined by the court?”, “how is the amount of a ‘post-secondary education subsidy’ calculated in Iowa?”, and “how much do I have to pay for college expenses in Iowa?”. We also answer “can my child’s ‘post-secondary education subsidy’ be terminated?”, “where do I send my ‘post secondary education subsidy’ payments in Iowa?”, “what if I have been repudiated by my child?”, “what if my child goes to an out-of-state or private school?”, and “what if my child is too young to think about college?”

Do I Have to Pay for College Expenses in Iowa?

Iowa Law allows for either parent or the child to request a “post-secondary education subsidy” to help with certain college expenses. The judge is authorized to issue a college support order if “good cause” is shown after considering the parents’ financial resources and the needs of the child. Parents can also agree to pay for a portion or all of a child’s college expenses and present a written agreement to the Court for approval.

How is “Good Cause” Determined by the Court?