This section of FinAid's award winning web site < www.finaid.org > discusses methods of saving for college. It starts with advice on deciding how much to save and tips on making saving easier. It also discusses common myths about saving, the best investment strategies, and the financial aid impact. There are also several college savings calculators and other useful tools. This web site also provides information about the advantages and disadvantages of the most common college savings vehicles, identifying section 529 college savings plans as the best. Click here to learn about saving for college

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FinAid's < www.finaid.org > custom calculators can help you figure out how much school will cost, how much you need to save and how much aid you'll need. The most popular calculators are the College Cost Projector, Savings Plan Designer (Flat Contribution), Expected Family Contribution and Financial Aid Calculator and Loan Payment Calculator. Click here to explore all of FinAid's calculators. < http://www.finaid.org/calculators/ >

 

Saving for college with the Virginia College Savings Plan makes good sense. Earnings can grow tax free. You can use your savings at colleges throughout the country. The plan provides three Section 529 investment options:

The Virginia Prepaid Education ProgramSM locks in future costs for today’s students in the ninth grade or younger. VPEP covers in-state undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for the normal full-time course load at Virginia public colleges. Your VPEP investment comes with a guaranteed rate of return for other types of colleges nationwide.

The Virginia Education Savings TrustSM offers a selection of investment funds. Students of all ages can participate wherever they live. You can use VEST to pay for all major college expenses. These include tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks and required supplies and equipment.

CollegeAmerica® is the state’s partnership with the American Funds, one of the oldest and largest mutual fund companies in the country. With CollegeAmerica, you can save for all major college expenses. Ask your financial adviser for information about CollegeAmerica.

Opening soon!
Opening soon, CollegeWealth is Virginia’s partnership with participating banks throughout Virginia. Families may save for college through deposit accounts or certificates of deposit (CDs) that feature the tax advantages of 529 college savings plans. Accounts will be subject to the individual bank’s terms, conditions, and interest rates but will be governed by Section 529 provisions - and overseen by the Virginia College Savings Plan.