Why Now?
 

College may seem like a distant dream, but the future belongs to those who prepare today.

College Sticker Shock
Eighteen years from now, an education at a four-year public university could cost $143,131. At a four-year private university, the cost could be more than $300,000.1  
Give Smart, Start Today  

Monthly Contribution Rates
College will be here sooner than you think, and it will probably be more expensive than you imagined. Start saving today.
 

Target Savings: $50,000

While you can start a college savings account for a child when they’re 12, 8 or still an infant, consider the difference time can make. The longer you wait to start your savings plan, the more you’ll need to invest each month. If your goal is to reach $50,000 in 18 years, you may need to set aside about $100 a month.2 That monthly contribution jumps to more than $540 if you only give yourself six years to save.

  

1 Estimates based on 2009-2010 inflation-adjusted tuition, fees, and room and board, as reported in The College Board’s “Trends in College Pricing,” 2009

2 This hypothetical example illustrates how much money you would need to save each month assuming an annual return of eight percent.



 

    
           
   
 
 
   
 


An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and tax consequences associated with the Program before investing. All of this information is contained in the Program Disclosure Statement. Please read it carefully before investing. For a copy, call 866.529.ACCT (2228) or visit www.treasury.alabama.gov.

If you or your beneficiary are not Alabama residents, consider whether your home state or the home state of your designated beneficiary offers a Qualified Tuition Program that provides state-tax or other benefits only available through your home state’s Qualified Tuition Program.

The Program is offered by the State of Alabama and is designed to be a Qualified Tuition Program under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. The FDIC, the State of Alabama, the Treasurer of the State of Alabama, the Board of Trustees of the Program Trust Fund or any other federal or state governmental agencies do not insure or guarantee accounts and investments under the Program. Van Kampen Funds, Inc. is the underwriter for the Program. The Program is also offered through independent distributors that have selling agreements with Van Kampen Funds Inc., which serves as an independent distributor for the Program.

Van Kampen and the State of Alabama’s Treasurer’s office do not render tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written for—and cannot be used by—any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer under U.S. federal tax laws. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your individual situation.