Now savers can sign up for the Prepaid Tuition Plan year-round
Olympia—Washington Education Savings Plans (WA529) announced that the annual
enrollment period for its GET Prepaid Tuition Plan is expanding. Formerly open from
November through May, GET will now be available for families to enroll year-round.
The year-round enrollment matches the structure of Washington’s 529 investment plan,
WA529 Invest. Both plans are now available for Washingtonians to sign up for at any
time.
“WA529 is excited to make this enhancement to the GET Prepaid Plan,” said Lynda
Ridgeway, WA529 Director. “Due to a more predictable state tuition environment and
continued streamlining of processes, families now have full flexibility to open an account
when it best aligns with their busy schedules and annual budget planning. However, we
still encourage families to get started as early as possible to maximize their savings
potential.”
With GET, savers buy tuition “units”, and 100 units is worth the equivalent of one year of
resident, undergraduate tuition and fees at Washington’s highest-priced university
(currently University of Washington). This year, for the first time ever, the GET unit price
is lower than the current tuition cost, giving savers an instant return on their education
savings.
To celebrate expanded enrollment and commemorate National 529 Day, every new GET
account opened for a beneficiary 18 years old or younger through May 29 will
automatically be entered in a drawing to receive a $529 bonus deposit in their GET
account. Fifteen recipients will be chosen at random on June 1. Families can visit
529.wa.gov/promotions to read the official rules.
“May 29 is recognized each year as National 529 Day to raise awareness about the
importance of saving for future education,” said Luke Minor, WA529 Senior Director.
“This year, we’re giving some new savers a head start by awarding $529 in GET units.
It’s a great way to celebrate 529 Day and get people excited about saving for education.
Since 1998, GET Prepaid Tuition has helped families pay more than $1.6 billion in
educational costs. More than 73,000 students have used their GET accounts to
further their education in all 50 states and around the globe. Washington EducationSavings Plans also offers WA529 Invest, a nationally recognized 529 plan launched in
2018 to help Washingtonians save toward the total cost of college.
Washington residents who want to help a student save for future education costs can
open a GET or WA529 Invest account at any time online at 529.wa.gov with no
enrollment fee. The website also provides helpful resources, including detailed
information, charts, planning tools, and answers to frequently asked questions.
About WA529
Washington Education Savings Plans (WA529) offers two 529 college savings programs to
Washingtonians: the GET Prepaid Tuition Plan and the WA529 Invest plan. Both programs offer
individuals and families tax-advantaged options to save for education and career training. The Committee
on Advanced Tuition Payment and College Savings, commonly known as the WA529 Committee, provides
oversight and sets program policies. The five-member committee consists of the executive director of the
Washington Student Achievement Council, the State Treasurer, the director of the Office of Financial
Management, and two citizen representatives. The Washington Student Achievement Council supports
and helps administer the programs, based on the Committee’s direction. For more information about GET,
call 800-955-2318 or download the GET Program Details booklet. For more information about WA529
Invest, call 844-529-5845 or download the WA529 Invest Program Details Booklet. Each Program Details
Booklet includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information. Read
and consider it carefully before investing.