While many people are aware that the cost of a college education has been on the rise, many underestimate just how large this cost has grown. According to the 2014 Trends in College Pricing published by The College Board, over the past decade, the published in-state tuition and fees for four-year public colleges and universities grew at an average rate of 2.9% per year beyond the rate of inflation. At the same time, many families lack life insurance protection, which many consider to be the cornerstone of financial protection.