Families who save have more options when determining how to pay for their children’s education. The more money you save and the earlier you start, the better.
When you save for college instead of using loans to cover education costs, you earn interest instead of paying interest. For example, to accumulate $10,000 in 10 years at 7% interest, you’d need to save $58 per month. To borrow $10,000 over 10 years at 7% interest, you’d have to repay $116 per month.
What’s the Real Cost of Borrowing*?
Saving ahead instead of borrowing and repaying the loan will save you $6,960.*
* This example is an estimate only. Market conditions may change.
MEFA and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have two innovative college savings options to help you save. You can save with both the U.PlanSM and the U.Fund®. Here are some key differences:
 | A prepaid tuition program that locks-in tuition rates at participating Massachusetts colleges and universitites.Use proceeds for undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees. 80 public and private colleges and universities in Massachusetts participate. Get your investment back, plus interest, if you don’t go to one of the 80 participating schools.
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 | A market-based 529 investment plan that lets families invest in portfolios of mutual funds.Covers tuition, fees and other qualified expenses including room, board, books and supplies. Use at any accredited college or university nationwide, for undergraduate or graduate education.
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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. 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.
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