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. |
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.

Boost your college savings with Upromise®
Upromise is a free service that helps families save for college by providing opportunities to earn cash back rewards for everyday activities such as online shopping, dining, grocery shopping, purchasing gift cards and more. Rewards are automatically deposited as contributions to your PA 529 Investment Plan or Guaranteed Savings Plan account when you reach $50 in rewards.
Join Upromise for free today:
- Earn $5.29 in bonus rewards when you open a new Upromise account.
- Earn an additional $25 in bonus rewards when you link your first PA 529 Investment Plan or Guaranteed Savings Plan account to your new Upromise account.
- Earn additional rewards continuously by shopping, dining, answering surveys and more everyday activities.
- Link your Upromise account to your 529 plan account and you’re automatically entered into the monthly Upromise 529 Scholarship drawing of five $529 scholarships.
Learn more at Upromise.com. It’s fast, easy, and secure.
Upromise is an optional service, separate from PA 529, and not affiliated with the Commonwealth or the Treasury Department. Specific terms and conditions apply. Participating companies, contribution levels, and terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Transfers from Upromise to a PA 529 Investment Plan or Guaranteed Savings Plan account are subject to a $50 minimum.
Upromise and the Upromise logo are registered service marks of Upromise, LLC.
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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