The author, not pictured, makes her son pay for his college tuition upfront.Xavierarnau/Getty ImagesWhen I was younger, I didn't understand or appreciate my parents paying my college tuition.I want my kids to understand the true cost of college, so I devised a unique plan.My son pays his tuition first with his saved money, and I pay him back if he gets good grades.My mom was the first on either side of my family to go to college.