PA529 | College and Career Savings Program

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Question	Guaranteed Savings Plan	Investment Plan
How do I start?	GSP. There is no minimum contribution required to open either PA 529 plan. Enroll now	IP. There is no minimum contribution required to open either PA 529 plan. Enroll now
What does it cover?	Both plans can be used for post-secondary tuition, room and board costs, books and more, as well as tuition at elementary or secondary public, private, or religious schools. You may also use both plans to pay for certain expenses for a registered apprenticeship program and principal and interest on a qualified education loan.
Where can I use it?	Both plans work at most post-secondary schools, including colleges, universities, technical and professional schools, as well as elementary or secondary public, private, or religious schools both in and out of PA as well as for registered and certified apprenticeship programs.
What happens if the child doesn't attend college?	Both plans allow you to change the beneficiary of the account to certain members of the beneficiary's family. You may also use your PA 529 account for repayment of principal and interest on a qualified education loan for a PA 529 beneficiary or sibling not to exceed $10,000. The Plan Disclosures describe other ways to make withdrawals.
Can I get my money back?	YES. In the GSP you get back at least what you put in, minus any fees. You also keep the growth on your contributions, if any. Depending on the reason for withdrawal, growth may be calculated differently. There may be tax consequences if you don’t use the money for educational expenses.	YES. However, the value of your investment depends on its performance, and could be more or less than you initially invested. There may be tax consequences if you don't use the money for educational expenses.
Can I pick my investments?	NO. You pick the type of school or tuition level to save towards. PA Treasury manages the investments of the GSP Fund.	YES. Choose from a number of investments options, all using Vanguard investment vehicles.
Will it keep pace with rising tuition costs?	YES. Your savings grow based on tuition inflation, when used for qualified post-secondary education expenses.	MAYBE. Investments can gain or lose, depending on market conditions.

Our 2022 529 Day promotion ended on May 31, 2022. Please check out the rest of our site to learn more about the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. If you have questions about the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan or PA 529 Investment Plan, call 800-440-4000.