Independent 529 Plan

A New Way to Save on Future College Costs

Independent 529 Plan is a new way to help families save for tuition at hundreds of private colleges across the country.

With Independent 529 Plan, you lock in the cost of tomorrow’s tuition at any participating college or university for less than the tuition charges that students pay today. Anyone can set up an account for a future college student and take advantage of this one-of-a-kind 529 program.

INDEPENDENT 529 PLAN ENABLES YOU TO PURCHASE FUTURE TUITION AT TODAY’S LOWER PRICES.

Recognizing both the importance of higher education and the difficulty parents often face in paying tuition costs, private colleges and universities from across the country have joined together to offer Independent 529 Plan. It’s a new way to pay for a child’s future education costs.

How does it work?

The plan enables you to prepay tuition at any participating private college. Because the colleges invest the funds you pay, they are able to offer a discount on today’s prices. When the student later enrolls, you can redeem the percentage of tuition you’ve prepaid. You are guaranteed the percentage purchased – no matter how much tuition costs rise in the future.

THIS PLAN WAS DESIGNED BY PARTICIPATING COLLEGES.

Flexible payment options

GUARANTEE YOUR CHILD’S TUITION. GUARANTEE YOUR OWN PEACE OF MIND.

PLAN FEATURES:

Lock In Today’s Prices
If you purchase a year of tuition today for your child or grandchild, you’ll get a year of tuition when that child is ready for college – regardless of future tuition prices.

Colleges Guarantee Your Prepayments
The amount of tuition your contribution buys depends on the college the student decides to attend.***

Refunds Available
If your child doesn’t attend a participating private college, you can get a refund (adjusted for market performance of the program).*

TAX ADVANTAGES OF A 529 PLAN

There’s never a federal tax** on the increased value of your contributions, if the money is used for qualified higher education expenses. Plus, you can transfer benefits to other eligible family members.

For More Information
Visit www.independent529plan.org or call 888.718.7878.

*Refunds will be adjusted based on the net performance of the Program Trust, subject to a maximum return of 2% per annum and a maximum loss of 2% per annum.
**The law allowing for federal income tax-free qualified withdrawals is set to expire on December 31, 2010. Congress may or may not extend this law beyond this date. Future changes in the law may create adverse tax consequences, or lead to termination of the plan.
***Participation in Independent 529 Plan does not guarantee admission to any college or university, nor does owning a certificate in any way affect the admissions process. Owning a certificate may have an adverse impact on financial aid determinations. TIAA-CREF and its affiliates do not provide tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor.