College savings plans, in particular the 529 plans, have become much more popular in recent years. A new study from Sallie Mae confirms that more people used 529 plans in 203 than ever had before. Still, it's only 17 percent of families with college students who are using them, although that's up from 11 percent in 2011.
Borrowing is also on the upswing. The study found that loans made up 18 percent of college costs in 2013. About 30 percent of students took out student loans, with another 10 percent using private loans to help pay college costs. Parents, meanwhile, are paying less: They covered 27 percent of college costs in 2013, down from 37 percent in 2010.
Still, there are a lot of parents out there flying by the seat of their pants. Just 50 percent of parents with children under the age of 18 say they are currently saving for college.
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