Compare Plans
| Question |
Guaranteed Savings Plan |
Investment Plan |
|---|---|---|
| How do I start? | GSP. Start with as little as $15. Enroll now | IP. Start with as little as $25. 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 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. 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 16 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. |
Ugift
What is Ugift?®
Let friends and family help. Ugift is an innovative way to invite family and friends to celebrate birthdays and holidays with the gift of education savings. This easy-to-use service lets you invite the special people in your life to make gift contributions to your PA 529 account. And contributions can be deducted by the gift giver on their Pennsylvania state income tax returns.*
To get started, log in to your PA 529 account and click Ugift in the sidebar.
*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.
*The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements. A withdrawal or portion of a withdrawal, not used for qualified expenses may be subject to state and local income taxes. The earnings portion of the withdrawal will be subject to federal income tax and, with a few exceptions, an additional 10% federal income tax penalty.
Additional Ways to Save
Looking for more ways to boost your savings? Pennsylvania Treasury has partnered with nationally recognized programs to help you save more money. You can easily link these programs to your PA 529 account.
Earn free money from Upromise. Upromise is an online service designed to help families earn extra money when you shop online or in stores, eat out, buy groceries, travel and more.
You can join Upromise online after enrolling in PA 529, or by going directly to Upromise.com/pa. Your accounts can be linked so money in your Upromise account gets automatically transferred to your PA 529 account. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and family friends can join Upromise and direct their rebates into your Upromise account, too.
Upromise is an optional service, separate from PA 529, and not affiliated with the Commonwealth or the Treasury Department. Specific terms and conditions apply. Visit Upromise.com to learn more.
Make private colleges more affordable. SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards (SAGE) is a free scholarship program that helps families earn Tuition Reward Points that reduce the cost of undergraduate tuition at participating private colleges and universities.
Each quarter you earn Tuition Rewards equal to 2.5% of the value of your PA 529 account – adding up to approximately 10% per year. Each point is worth $1.00 in scholarships at SAGE member schools. Learn more at tuitionrewards.com.
Tuition Rewards costs nothing to join. It's easy to get started – just sign up when you open your PA 529 account. To track your SAGE Rewards, to get more information, and to receive a 500-point bonus, register and visit your account at tuitionrewards.com. You'll get another 500-point bonus for each child that has a PA 529 account.
SAGE Scholars' Tuition Rewards is an optional service, separate from PA 529, and not affiliated with the Commonwealth or the Treasury Department. Specific terms and conditions apply. Contact Support@SAGEscholars.com for more information.
*The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements. A withdrawal or portion of a withdrawal, not used for qualified expenses may be subject to state and local income taxes. The earnings portion of the withdrawal will be subject to federal income tax and, with a few exceptions, an additional 10% federal income tax penalty.
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Phone: 800-440-4000Email: PA529@patreasury.gov
PA 529 College Savings Program
613 North Drive | Room G-06
Harrisburg, PA 17120