A friend from high schools parents told him that he had to pay for his first year of college, and they would pay for the next 3. At the time it seemed a little harsh, but it makes perfect sense now that I am on the other side of the equation. If someone is not going to make it in college, there is a good chance it will happen in their freshman year. Some kids went crazy with their first taste of freedom, and paying for it yourself may help develop good study habits early.