Gen Z is rewriting the American Dream, and their parents are funding it—using tuition money for down payments, instead

The cost of college has never been higher. But for a growing share of young Americans, the return has never felt more uncertain. Faced with rising tuition, stubborn student debt, and a cooling job market, many are questioning whether a four-year degree is worth it at all. Now, their parents are coming to a similar conclusion—and acting on it.

Instead of prioritizing tuition, more families are putting their money toward something they see as a better investment: helping their kids achieve homeownership.

Seventy-four percent of parents with children at home would consider or have already started financially planning to help their kids buy a home, according to a new report from Northwestern Mutual. Among those parents, 29% say helping their children purchase a home is more important than paying for college tuition.

Ashley Russo, a wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual, said parents are increasingly redefining what financial success looks like for their children—shifting from degrees to deeds.

“Parents are looking for concrete ways to improve their children’s economic starting point. A down payment, a co-sign, or help with closing costs translates into immediate buying power and often functions as intergenerational seed capital,” Russo told Fortune. 

There’s financial logic behind the pivot. Much like saving early for retirement, entering the housing market sooner can have an outsized impact on long-term wealth. According to a generational wealth report from Realtor.com, Americans who buy a home at age 30 have a 22.5% higher net........

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