The prospect of paying for higher education can be intimidating, especially as costs continue to rise, but you may be surprised at the difference you can make by saving regularly. And saving for college ahead won’t significantly impact your chances of getting financial aid. The more you save and the earlier you start saving for college, the better.
 | Not sure if you can fit saving for college into your monthly budget? Listen to other families who have had positive experiences with savings. View video  |
Set a clear goal that you can attain within your particular timeframe.
Add saving for college to your regular budget, and set up automatic transfers to your savings account.
Know your options and select the best college savings plan for you. There are lots of ways to save for college, and many people use more than one. Download our savings comparison chart to learn about popular options.
Ask relatives to contribute money to your child’s college savings at holidays and birthdays.
If you receive a bonus, tax refund or other unscheduled income, set a portion of it aside for college.
Custodial accounts like UGMAs and UTMAs are owned by a minor but managed by a custodian – usually a parent or guardian. Funds may be used for any expense that benefits the child, not just school, and the child ultimately controls the account.
Use a Coverdell Education Savings Account to save for qualified education expenses at elementary schools, secondary schools, and colleges or universities. Distributions are tax free as long as they're used for qualified education expenses.
Savings accounts and CDs are an easy and relatively safe way to save, although any interest you earn will be taxed.
Every year, we ask Massachusetts 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to illustrate what they want to be when they graduate from college. Winning entries from each grade receive money deposited in a U.Fund College Investing Plan account.
Over the years, our College Savings Art Competition has received more than 15,000 entries and awarded more than $140,000. Learn more and view winning entries.
