College and Adult Child Support in Pennsylvania: Post-Secondary and Disabled Children
A Pennsylvania court may order parents to share postsecondary educational costs, generally up to the student’s 23rd birthday, after the student seeks scholarships and aid. Special needs can continue support past 18.
Does child support cover college in Pennsylvania?
A court may order either or both parents to provide equitably for the educational costs of their child, whether the application is made before or after 18, including undergraduate or vocational education after high school (23 Pa.C.S. 4327(a)). It is a shared responsibility, and the duty is not as exacting as the duty to support a young child. An award can be made only after the student has made reasonable efforts to apply for scholarships, grants and work-study.
How are postsecondary costs defined?
Tuition, fees, books, room, board and other educational materials, at a college, university or other postsecondary vocational, secretarial, business or technical school (4327(j)). Keep receipts for each term.
How is the college share decided?
The court calculates tuition, fees, books, room, board and other materials, deducts grants and scholarships, and then orders either or both parents to pay all or part of what remains (4327(c)-(e)). There is no fixed percentage in the statute.
What does the court weigh?
Both parents’ financial resources, the student’s resources, loans and aid, the student’s ability, willingness and desire to complete the course, any willful estrangement caused by the student after majority, the student’s ability to earn, and other relevant factors; grants and scholarships are deducted from the costs first (4327(d)-(e)).
When can the court not order it?
If it would cause undue financial hardship to the parent, if it would pay for postcollege graduate education, or if it would extend support beyond the student’s 23rd birthday, although exceptional circumstances can allow more (4327(f)).
Is there child support for a disabled adult child in Pennsylvania?
Parents may be liable for the support of children 18 or older (4321(3)), and the emancipation inquiry asks about special needs that may be a basis to continue support past 18 or graduation (1910.19(e)). Bring medical records and benefit decisions.
Does a college order replace regular child support?
No. Educational costs are separate: a parent’s share of tuition, fees, books, room and board and other materials, calculated after deducting grants and scholarships (4327(c)-(d), (j)). A parent does not pay the other parent’s share of living expenses at home unless the student lives there and commutes (4327(g)).
Who can file for educational costs?
The student, if over 18, or either parent on behalf of a child under 18; if the student is over 18, the student’s written consent is needed (4327(b)). Any party can later ask to modify or end the order on a change in the student’s educational status or in anyone’s finances (4327(h)).
What if the student drops out of school?
A change in the student’s educational status is a ground for either parent to ask the court to modify or end the educational order (4327(h)). Tell the other parent and the court promptly.
Is there a different age for the student’s own claim?
The student can file for educational costs at any age over 18 on their own (4327(b)), so a student turning 18 does not need a parent to start the case. Apply for aid first.
What are the age limits for a given birth date?
| Child born | Turns 18 | Order ends (graduation in June) |
|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2012 | March 15, 2030 | June 30, 2030 |
| August 31, 2011 | August 31, 2029 | August 31, 2029 |
| November 2, 2015 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2033 |
What about unpaid support from before?
It stays owed: see whether Pennsylvania arrears expire or can be forgiven and the Pennsylvania child support end date calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does Pennsylvania child support cover college?
A court may order educational costs after the student seeks aid, generally not beyond the 23rd birthday.
What is the Pennsylvania age cap for college support?
The 23rd birthday, with an exception for exceptional circumstances.
Can a Pennsylvania student sue for college costs?
Yes, if over 18; a parent can file for a child under 18.
Is there Pennsylvania support for a disabled adult child?
Parents may be liable for children 18 or older, and special needs can be a basis to continue support.
Do Pennsylvania arrears survive after support ends?
Yes. Termination does not affect arrears.
Official sources
- 23 Pa.C.S. 4321, 4323, 4327 and 4352: support duties and termination
- Pa.R.C.P. 1910.19(e): emancipation inquiry and notice
- Pa.R.C.P. 1910.17: effective date
- Pa.R.C.P. chapter 1910
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Pennsylvania statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.