Paying for College Ahead of Time to Save Money

Pennsylvania's Tuition Account Program (TAP)
Save money by purchasing credits at colleges at today’s tuition fees instead of paying tomorrow’s higher rates!  Lock in tuition prices now and maybe even start a gift that will keep on giving for your child, godchild, grandchild, niece, nephew,…
Pennsylvania's Tuition Account Program (TAP) provides a safe and affordable way for students and families to buy tomorrow's tuition at today's lower prices. And TAP provides important tax benefits to. TAP credits can be used at any college vocational school, public or private, anywhere in the nation.  Buy credits at today's prices and save the money in a college fund to invest in you/your family like a retirement fund.

TAP offers a 529 Plan - It's similar to a 401(k) plan, but the goal is to save for college instead of retirement.  529 plans are designed specifically to help you provide for the ever-rising cost of college. They combine professional investment management with significant tax advantages.
Advantages:
• Federal income tax-deferred growth
• Additional state tax advantages in certain states
• Tax-free qualified withdrawals
• Special estate and gift tax exclusions
• Professional investment management
• Accounts can be transferred between family members

UPromise Savings 

UPromise partners with AOL, Citibank, and other companies to get you college savings if you join their program.  It is a free service designed to help families save for college. It's simple: you'll save when you shop for the things you need.
With Upromise, thousands of companies will help you save for your child's college. You can save when you shop online, at your favorite stores, or at the grocery or drug store. You can save when you travel, dine out, and more. Start saving today!  Check out Upromise - A Way to Save for College to learn about how you can turn everyday spending into college savings.

AP Testing, CLEP, Community College, and Distance Learning courses can save a bundle!

AP (Advanced Placement) Testing:  If you are in an AP class in high school, you can consider taking the AP test for that subject.  If you score high enough you can earn college credits.
For details go to http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html

CLEP (College Level Examination Program):  Get credit for what you already know.  If you pass the CLEP exam for a certain subject you may be able to skip certain courses in college, get credit for them, and save money.
For details go to http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html

Community Colleges and Distance Learning can offer classes at great prices.  Set up classes at a community college to transfer into the college you are attending or take online or other distance learning classes from your college.  They can sometimes be cheaper than the on campus classes.  Check with the college where you intend to enroll for details.