Paying for College Ahead of Time to Save Money

More information at StudentAid.ed.gov

PA's 529 College Savings Plan
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,…
Providing important tax benefits this account can be used at any college, vocational school, public or private, anywhere in the nation. 
The 529 Plan is 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!  

U-Gift
Invite family and friends to help you save for college. Ugift is an innovative way to invite family and friends to celebrate a child’s milestones with the gift of college savings. This easy-to-use service lets the special people in your life make gift contributions to your Pennsylvania 529 Investment Plan or 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan account.

Sage Scholars Tuition Rewards
Earn guaranteed scholarships – up to one full year’s tuition – at 240+ participating private colleges and universities through the SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards™ Program. By saving or investing with one or more of our financial partners, you will earn annual Tuition Rewards based on the value of your eligible investments. Each Tuition Reward point is equal to a $1.00 guaranteed minimum scholarship at any of our member schools. The maximum scholarship varies by college – but currently is nearing $40,000! Enroll your family members – children, grandchildren, stepchildren, nieces, nephews, etc. – from birth until August 31 of the year they start 11th grade. All this at no cost to you!

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.

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.
 

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.