For many, the beginning of another school year brings to mind the looming reality of college costs. Whether a child has just entered first grade or is starting senior year, the financial burden of higher education can feel overwhelming One solution could be to invest in a rental property.

Economic inconsistencies are growing across the United States. The top 20 percent of households receive a greater share of income than the middle 60 percent combined. If you’re part of the bottom 40 percent, things look even worse than they did 20 years ago.

One way to break free from this cycle is a college education. Over the years, earnings for full-time workers with college degrees have skyrocketed compared to those with high school diplomas. The gap in earnings almost doubled from 49 percent in 1979 to 89 percent in 1994. Each year of schooling post-high school potentially adds between 5 percent to 15 percent to annual earnings later in life.

There’s a catch, though. College costs are rising. At a minimum, people can expect to pay $15,000 per year for an in-state college education — tuition, books, room and board included. Only 40 percent of students graduate within four years instead of five.

Given a 5 percent annual increase, total costs grow to $95,721 in five years, $122,167 in 10 and $155,919 in 15 years.

People could pay out of pocket. But remember to add 25 percent to 30 percent for taxes. Students can work, but that typically means longer times to graduation and higher dropout rates. Student loans constitute a ticket to starting adult life buried in debt.

.By purchasing a rental property with a 15-year loan when their children are young, parents can create a pathway toward covering future college costs.

A $150,000 rental property with a 20 percent down payment  of $30,000 and a loan for the remaining amount amortized over 15 years provides increased equity. With no increase in property value, equity reaches $58,789 in five years and $97,621 in 10 years, eventually becoming $150,000 in 15 years.

If you factor in 5 percent annual appreciation, equity could increase to $311,839 in 15 years.

If your kid is already in college, don’t panic. Buying an investment property could still work wonders. Your child could live there, significantly reducing living expenses. Roommates could help pay the mortgage.

Work with a qualified real estate agent who can offer you personalized insights and guidance no matter the circumstances for this step in safeguarding your child’s future and yours.

Buying a property isn’t just a financial decision, but also an emotional one. An agent can help you through all the bumps.

The return on investment from purchasing a rental property today could offer financial stability amidst the ever-widening economic disparities and continuously increasing college costs.

This school year, don’t push worry down the line. It’s been said the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.