College Planning Partners Blog

The nation's recent economic turmoil has left college and university budget setters feeling the pinch. Many have ordered mandatory furloughs, staffing cuts and huge tuition hikes. With administrators at the University of Illinois approving a 9.5% tuition increase for 2010-2011, for example, families for whom college is still a few years away are wondering how they will ever afford the coming tuition bills.

US News and World Report recently detailed ways financially savvy families are avoiding future tuition increases. Some schools (including all state universities in Illinois) offer "guaranteed tuition programs" that lock in tuition (but not room and board) at the student's freshman rate. Others let families pay a small, up-front premium in exchange for a flat rate that protects against tuition inflation. Certain pre-paid college savings plans also allow families to purchase future tuition credits at today's rate.

Visit US News and World Report to view the complete article and a list of colleges and universities offering guaranteed tuition and tuition lock options.

To create your own customized college savings plan, contact any of us here at College Planning Partners. Our Diagnostic Evaluation is free and could be the difference in making tomorrow's tuition available at today's price.