Planning

Over the past decade, college tuition at Washington State's top public universities has climbed an average of 8.9% annually, more than triple our nation's inflation rate. To afford a college education, it's important to plan ahead and get started on a savings program. Saving for college, even a little at a time, can make a big difference down the road. 

• Estimating future college costs and how to meet them can be a challenge.  The College Savings Plan Network has a college cost calculator that may help. You can also compare savings plans, and see how GET differs from other 529 plans.

• What makes GET different is that it's GUARANTEED to keep pace with rising tuition, and is not subject to the ups and downs of the stock market. This chart shows the difference between GET's steady increase in value and how a similar market-based investment might have performed over the past decade.

• You can save on the future cost of college tuition by starting to save when your children are young, and by reducing finance charges as much as you can. But how many GET units should you buy? Should you choose Lump Sum or a Custom Monthly Plan? Take a look at our tuition calculator to help you decide.

• GET can help you send your child or grandchild to college with a plan that's easy, affordable, and has a no-risk guarantee. GET can be used at colleges, universities and technical schools nationwide. Take a look at the flexibility, the payment plans and the tax benefits. Keep in mind the important dates and learn all you can about buying GET units.

A GET account makes college more accessible for your children, more affordable for families, and encourages success because college is "part of the plan." Just call Customer Service at 800.955.2318 or email GETInfo@hecb.wa.gov if you have questions. We're happy to help!