Saving for College

In 2011, college seniors graduated with an average of nearly $27,000 in student loan debt*.

Help them save for college.

You only want the best for your loved ones, but the fact is, tuition for college is consistently rising. The good news is you can help ease the burden by contributing to a 529 college savings plan that offers potential tax advantages as well.

Some of the benefits of contributing to a 529 college savings plan:

• Tax advantaged way to help save for college - potential for tax-deferred growth on any earnings
• Use of funds at any eligible college/university across the nation and even some abroad
• Accounts can be transferred to other eligible family members
• Range of investment options

With all 529 plans, contributions and any earnings used to pay for qualified higher education expenses are federal income tax-free. Some states offer additional tax benefits, such as an income tax deduction or tax credit for state residents on plan contributions. And, if you are doing estate planning, your 529 plan contributions may reduce the taxable value of your estate. Consult your tax adviser.

Designed with AARP members and their families in mind.
TIAA-CREF is working to help educate you on smarter ways to save and provide better college savings solutions. TIAA-CREF is firmly committed to your financial well-being and is a leader in helping the academic, medical, cultural, governmental and research fields plan for retirement and life’s other goals. Over 3.7 million individuals trust TIAA-CREF to help support their financial well-being.

TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. (TFI) is a leader in 529 college savings plans and is currently the program manager for 11 college savings plans across the country. TFI is part of the TIAA-CREF group of companies, a leading financial services provider with $502 billion in combined investments under management (as of December 31, 2012).