Compare Plans
Question | Guaranteed Savings Plan
|
Investment Plan
|
---|---|---|
How do I start? | GSP. There is no minimum contribution required to open either PA 529 plan. Enroll now | IP. There is no minimum contribution required to open either PA 529 plan. Enroll now |
What does it cover? | Both plans can be used for post-secondary tuition, room and board costs, books and more, as well as tuition at elementary or secondary public, private, or religious schools. You may also use both plans to pay for certain expenses for a registered apprenticeship program and principal and interest on a qualified education loan. | |
Where can I use it? | Both plans work at most post-secondary schools, including colleges, universities, technical and professional schools, as well as elementary or secondary public, private, or religious schools both in and out of PA as well as for registered and certified apprenticeship programs. | |
What happens if the child doesn't attend college? | Both plans allow you to change the beneficiary of the account to certain members of the beneficiary's family. You may also use your PA 529 account for repayment of principal and interest on a qualified education loan for a PA 529 beneficiary or sibling not to exceed $10,000. The Plan Disclosures describe other ways to make withdrawals. | |
Can I get my money back? | YES. In the GSP you get back at least what you put in, minus any fees. You also keep the growth on your contributions, if any. Depending on the reason for withdrawal, growth may be calculated differently. There may be tax consequences if you don’t use the money for educational expenses. |
YES. However, the value of your investment depends on its performance, and could be more or less than you initially invested. There may be tax consequences if you don't use the money for educational expenses. |
Can I pick my investments? | NO. You pick the type of school or tuition level to save towards. PA Treasury manages the investments of the GSP Fund. | YES. Choose from a number of investments options, all using Vanguard investment vehicles. |
Will it keep pace with rising tuition costs? | YES. Your savings grow based on tuition inflation, when used for qualified post-secondary education expenses. | MAYBE. Investments can gain or lose, depending on market conditions. |
PA Saves
PA Savings Pledge
Get an early start on a rewarding finish with PA 529 and take the PA Savings Pledge today!
A savings account in your child’s name can build hope and make future dreams a reality.
The PA Savings Pledge makes saving for education as easy as 1-2-3.
Keystone Scholars has $100 reserved for newborns to jumpstart education savings!
PA 529 offers two plans to maximize savings.
Automatic contributions make it easy to build up your account over time.

A savings account in your child’s name can build hope and make future dreams a reality.
It’s also important talk with your child about the importance of saving through the years. Family and friends can also help you save with Ugift, a free online way for others to contribute to your PA 529 account.

Ugift is a registered service mark of Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, LLC, and is an optional service, separate from PA 529, and not affiliated with the Commonwealth or the Treasury Department.
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- 1 (800) 440 4000

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Phone: 800-440-4000Email: PA529@patreasury.gov
PA 529 College and Career Savings Program
613 North Drive | Room G-06
Harrisburg, PA 17120