New CollegeSavings.org Web Site Makes it Easy to Find, View
and Compare Information about 529 Plans
Newly redesigned Web site educates families about the importance
of saving for college and the benefits of 529 plans
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (March 27, 2007) –To help families prepare for the growing financial challenge of funding a college education, the College Savings Plans Network (CSPN) – a non-profit association representing 529 college savings plans – is launching a redesigned Web site at CollegeSavings.org. The site is enhanced to better educate families about the importance of saving for college and to make it easy for families to find, view and compare 529 plan information.
“We want all American families to know that a college education is an achievable dream – they just need to plan for it,” said Jackie Williams, executive director of the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority and chair of CSPN. “Our goal with the Web site is to give families the tools and information they need to make an educated decision about the best way to save for college. We also want people to know that 529 plans are an excellent tool to reach your financial goals in a tax-advantaged way. There’s a 529 plan to fit virtually every budget and need.”
Visitors to CSPN’s newly redesigned Web site can take advantage of a number of enhancements that make information gathering easy and intuitive. For those just beginning the process, CollegeSavings.org offers an investor education component called The 529 Classroom. This special section explores the importance of saving for college and provides useful information about 529 plans. Visitors can quickly get up-to-speed through a series of frequently asked questions and other resources.
For those actively searching for a plan, CollegeSavings.org connects
to all state-administered 529 plans across the country. The highlight
of the site is the database-driven features that allow families to select
and compare 529 plans by state or specific plan features.
“There are many options when it comes to 529 plans,” Ms. Williams
said. “The most important outcome is to pick the plan that works best
for you. The site’s 529 comparison feature simplifies the search process,
allowing families to quickly and easily find a plan that meets their needs.”
To round out the site, CollegeSavings.org offers a host of information, including downloadable literature, relevant news articles and links to government and non-profit sites. The Additional Resources section is packed with a variety of third-party resources that are free to visitors.
“As a father and an administrator of a 529 plan, I know how important it is for families to begin to prepare for the rising cost of college,” said Tate Reeves, Mississippi State Treasurer and President of the National Association of State Treasurers. “This new Web site represents the states continued commitment to providing consumer-friendly resources to families across the country. I would encourage anyone interested in learning about 529 plans to take a few minutes to educate themselves and explore their opportunities by going to CollegeSavings.org.”
According to the College Board, the average in-state cost for college tuition and fees at four-year public institutions has increased nearly 51 percent over the last 10 years. By the year 2016, the average cost of tuition for four years of college at a public university is expected to eclipse the $100,000 mark. To many families, the rising cost of college tuition is alarming.
Founded in 1991, CSPN is an affiliate of the National Association of State Treasurers. Established to make higher education more attainable, the Network serves as a clearinghouse for information and monitors federal activities and promotes legislation that helps families save for college. To learn more about CSPN and 529 plans, visit CollegeSavings.org.
