One-third of parents across the country who plan to help their children pay for college haven't started to save, according to a recent survey by Matthew Greenwald & Associates, Inc. And even those who are saving, have less than $10,000 put away.

Considering that the projected cost for a child born in 2007 to attend a public university for four years is more than $100,000, parents need to be realistic about college costs and savings needs. And they need to start planning today, said the College Savings Plans Network (CSPN), a national group representing states' tax advantaged 529 plans.

Sure there's financial aid, but most comes in the form of student loans. By saving for college, parents can reduce or even eliminate education debt while opening opportunities to their children.

CSPN, a non-profit association that provides impartial information on 529 college savings plans, is using September - national College Savings Month - to urge parents and grandparents to develop a plan to meet the rapidly growing costs of higher education.

Through its web site, www.CollegeSavings.org, CSPN provides comprehensive information about 529 plans, as well as a database that allows families to select and compare 529 plans by state or specific plan feature.

CSPN is an affiliate of the National Association of State Treasurers. Founded in 1991 to make higher education more attainable, the Network serves as a clearinghouse for information among state-administered college savings programs.