McKeesport, Aug. 16, 2011— Families saving for college have a unique opportunity to start paying for college credits at the current credit rates through a state-run college savings plan, state Sen. Jim Brewster said today.

He said families that enroll in the Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program by Aug. 31 can lock in this year’s credit rates. As of Sept. 1, credit prices will likely rise due to increases in tuition rates for this coming academic year.

 “The 529 College Savings Program is a safe and smart way for families to invest in their child’s higher education,” Brewster said. “I encourage folks to look into taking advantage of this window, enrolling for free online and buying college credits now under today’s tuition credit prices.”

Brewster said free enrollment in the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan is available through September.

Click here to visit the PA 529 website to use the coupon code SAVE NOW to have the $50 enrollment fee waived upon enrolling in the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan.

The Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program allows families to invest in their child’s college education through two plans: the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan, in which growth is tied to the rate of college tuition inflation; and the PA 529 Investment Plan, in which investment returns are determined by financial markets.

“These are great opportunities for parents to save for their child’s college education,” Brewster said. “With tuition rates increasing nearly every year, this is a solid and affordable college savings plan.”

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