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December 31, 2008 is the deadline to make a contribution to your College Savings Plans of Maryland account to qualify for a 2008 Maryland State income deduction.
This is a reminder that in order to qualify for an income deduction on your 2008 Maryland State Taxes, all contributions to either the Maryland Prepaid College Trust or the Maryland College Investment Plan must be postmarked by December 31, 2008. The Maryland Prepaid College Trust is now open for enrollment until April 6, 2009 and the Maryland College Investment Plan remains open for enrollment year round. (More)
1.3 Million More College Students Applying for Federal Financial Aid This Fall as Unemployment Hits Five-Year High
As the economic downturn continues and families face tighter budgets, ongoing troubles in the student loan markets, and a national unemployment rate that just hit its highest level in five years, more students are struggling to pay for their college education. (More)
Survey says parents worry about saving for college
The nation's economic problems have made it difficult for parents to save for their children's education. (More)
Aging Parents Scrambling To Save
Big Idea: It's becoming increasingly difficult for parents to save for retirement while they're putting away money for their children's college tuition, according to new research by Putnam Investments. (More)
MCIP receives top ratings by Morningstar for the second year in a row!
The Maryland College Investment Plan is rated as one of the top 529 College Savings Plans in the country by Morningstar, Inc.... (More)
Investing Your Stimulus Rebate For College
Just about everyone who expects to receive a "stimulus rebate" from the U.S. government has filed their tax returns by now. We're just waiting for the money to get here … but for what purpose? (More)
Freshman Applications to Maryland Colleges Increase
Freshman applications for Fall 2008 admissions at University System of Maryland schools are showing an increase almost systemwide. (More)
Room, Board To Go Up For Maryland College Students
The price of a college education is going up for students attending schools in Maryland... (More)
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More Families Move To Lock In Tuition Rates
As the stock market swoons and tuition costs soar, more families are deciding to pay for college in advance through their 529 plans. (More)
Maryland Prepaid College Trust Open Enrollment Will Begin On December 1, 2008 And Continue Through April 6, 2009
The Maryland Prepaid College Trust's next enrollment period will begin on December 1,2008...... (More)
Maryland College Aid Requests Surge
A sluggish economy and uncertain job market are prompting a surge in applications for financial aid at universities and community colleges this year, as families struggle to pay for higher education in the face of layoffs and rising prices.
(More)
Is a 529 Still the Top College Savings Plan?
Some say there are good reasons to bypass a 529 account. Don't believe them. (More)
Boomers Use 529 Plans For Retirement Learning
Retirement used to be about — well, retiring.  Moving to Florida, buying a condo and enjoying the slow, relaxing pace of retirement were the things to do. These days, retirement has taken on a whole new meaning. Just ask one of the 77 million baby boomers who will begin retiring in 2008. Some will start businesses, some will travel the world, and an increasing number of boomers list "continuing education" or "lifelong learning" as one of their retirement goals. In fact, the number of college students 40 to 64 years of age has increased by almost 20 percent in the past decade and is expected to continue growing. If you are looking into returning to school, then you should examine 529 College Savings Plans. (More)
Country Survey Shows Few Americans Use College Savings Plans
BLOOMINGTON, Ill., May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- As another class of college
students graduates with enormous student loan debt, parents are also
feeling the pinch. Three-quarters of Americans say the cost of higher
education will limit where their children can go to college, according to a
COUNTRY Financial survey. And even though most say they should start saving
early for college, few take advantage of plans which could save them
thousands of dollars.
(More)
College Savings Plans Network Web Site - Excellent Resource For 529 Plan Comparison
The College Savings Plans Network is a national non-profit association dedicated to making college more accessible and affordable for families. Their Web site provides detailed information about 529 college savings plans and allows you to compare plans from around the country. (More)
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Gift of an Education
If you’re not sure what family members can give your child for a holiday, birthday, or other special occasion, consider the lasting gift of an education. Family and friends can now contribute to an existing Maryland College Investment Plan or Maryland Prepaid College Trust account by completing and returning the Gift Contribution Slip with a contribution of $25 or more. We’ve also included a Certificate that can be used to announce the gift to the recipient. (More)
Contribute online at a time of your choosing
Automatic Monthly Contributions - Now you have more flexibility in setting up Automatic Monthly Contributions One-time Contributions - You can now make additional online contributions to your College Investment Plan and/or your Prepaid College Trust account(s) any time you wish, as long as we have your banking instructions on file. It’s a quick and easy way to contribute to your account(s) whenever you want! (More)
Saving for college? Practical Advice on How to Weather a Volatile Market
If you are like most people, the current market conditions can cause concern when you see your long-term investment accounts, including college savings and retirement plans, losing their value. (More)
529 Savings Plans Battered In Downturn; Parents Reconsider Investment Strategy
The global financial crisis that has shaken retirement accounts and stock portfolios has claimed yet another casualty: college savings funds. (More)
Plunge Alters College Funds, College Plans
Forget about your 401(k) for the moment. Have you checked your college savings plan?
The recent plunge in stock prices has hit these so-called 529 plans, too.
(More)
How is that 529 doing?
Families should review their college savings plans - but resist quick fixes... (More)
Federal Financial Aid Updates
Important information for Prepaid College Trust Account Holders regarding federal financial aid treatment... (More)
Increasing Your Automatic Contributions
We offer several easy ways to increase your Automatic Monthly Contributions in the Maryland College Investment Plan... (More)
Move money from one Portfolio to Another
Do you need to move your money from one portfolio in the Maryland College Investment Plan to another? (More)
Maryland Taxpayer Information
Did you know Maryland taxpayers are eligible to receive a maximum annual income deduction of $2,500 on their Maryland tax return per Account or Beneficiary, depending on the Plan they choose? (More)
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