Saving for education

Are you planning to help your children or grandchildren with their education expenses? Or thinking of taking classes yourself? There are many options to help you achieve this goal.

Determine your education needs

You can begin to create a college savings plan by defining your education needs and preferences:

• Would you prefer a private or a public school?
• What will it cost? How much is too much? Make sure you take college inflation rates into account.
• How long will it take, or how long do you have, to save?

The cost of college education

College costs increase at about twice the rate of inflation, from 5% to 8% per year. And these costs are already steep. According to collegeboard.com, the average tuition and fees for 2010 – 2011 for students are:

Type of college or university	Cost per year**
Two-year public college	$2,710
Four-year public college/university	$7,610
Four-year private college/university	$27,290

**In addition, you may have to pay for room and board. In 2010 - 2011, average room and board costs for a public four-year college or university full time is $8,535.

Several other factors may also affect the cost of an education:

• Student's age
• Academic record
• Financial aid opportunities (federal, state)
• Scholarships available
• Degree goal
• Housing costs (on- or off-campus)
• Military service

Common college saving plan options

• Custodial accounts (UGMA/UTMA) allow you to make an irrevocable gift to a minor to an account that your child ultimately controls when he or she turns 18 or 21 (depending on state law). He or she will be able to use the funds for education and other expenses.
• 529 college savings plans are generally sponsored by states, state agencies or educational institution for college tuition and expenses. These investment plans stay under your control and offer certain tax and contribution advantages.
• Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA). You can contribute to this investment account until children turn 18 unless the child is a special needs beneficiary. This type of account can be used for elementary, secondary and college expenses and tuition. It includes tax benefits but has a maximum contribution limit of $2,000 per year.
• Traditional/Roth IRAs. Penalty-free distributions are allowed from IRAs for eligible educational expenses for you, your children and your grandchildren. (Income taxes may apply to IRA and Roth IRA withdrawals). IRAs are not counted as assets for financial aid calculations, but withdrawals are considered financial aid income for parents.
• Other options. In addition to savings, current income and borrowing, there are other ways to finance higher education:
  • Financial aid from federal and state governments
  • Work-study programs or a part-time job for the student
  • Loans from private, federal and college sources
  • Scholarships and grants from different sources
  • Family gifts

Borrowing from your retirement account to pay for education expenses

Borrowing from your home equity or retirement account — or reducing your retirement savings contributions to help pay for college — is an option. However, doing so could mean you'll need to work longer than you planned before retiring. Encouraging your child to take out a loan for college, such as a Stafford loan, may mean that he or she will graduate with some debt. But remember that he or she will also have a much longer period of time to pay off the loan.

Other financial considerations for a college savings plan

As you explore college financing options and determine which program, or combination of programs, will best meet your needs, you may wish to talk to a financial advisor to guide you through the finer points such as:

• How does saving for education fit into your financial life? How can you resolve competing needs to save for retirement and a child's education?
• What calculations are used by institutions in determining financial need?
• How will a college savings plan affect your taxes, financial aid eligibility and tax credits?
• What investment options do you have based on your risk tolerance and when the funds will be needed?
• Which currently held funds are accessible and what are the penalties for early withdrawal?

We'll help you with a college savings plan

If saving for college is an important financial goal for your family, talk to an Ameriprise financial advisor about how you might start a college savings plan for yourself, your children or grandchildren.