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College is getting more expensive. In fact, a four-year degree at a public university in the United States could cost more than $100,000 within the next 10 years. That’s why many families are looking for smart ways to save for college without taking on too much debt.

For years, Virginia families used Prepaid529 to plan ahead. That program closed in 2019, but another, similar option is available: the Tuition Track Portfolio.

If you’re a Virginia resident, this savings option can help your money grow steadily. And with an increase in value coming on July 15, now is the best time to start or add money to your Tuition Track Portfolio account.

What Is the Tuition Track Portfolio?

The Tuition Track Portfolio is a special way to save for college. It’s only for Virginia families and it helps your savings keep up with tuition prices at Virginia public colleges.

This type of account is not tied to the stock market, so your money doesn’t fluctuate with daily market changes. Instead, your savings grow at the same rate as Average Tuition, the average cost of in-state tuition at Virginia’s public four-year schools.¹

You don’t need to sign a contract or commit to a big payment. You can:

• Save enough for a full year of Average Tuition all at once
• Set up monthly contributions that fit your budget
• Make one-time contributions when you can

3 Reasons to Consider the Tuition Track Portfolio

1. It’s More Flexible

Unlike Prepaid529, you don’t need to save enough for whole semesters or years at once. You can save at your own pace. You can also use the money for more than just tuition—books, meal plans and other qualified college expenses are covered, too.

2. It Protects Your Money

Because this portfolio is a principal protected portfolio and based on Average Tuition—not the stock market—your savings keep pace with tuition prices.

Consider, if you save $15,500k with TTP now, you’ll have one year of Average Tuition at a Virginia public university covered in the future, no matter how much that tuition increases.

3. You Can Enroll Anytime

The Tuition Track Portfolio is open all year long. You don’t have to wait for an enrollment window. That means you can start saving when it’s right for you.

Already Have a Prepaid529 Account?

If you liked the Prepaid529 program, the Tuition Track Portfolio may feel familiar. The Tuition Track Portfolio helps protect your savings from going “out of date” as tuition costs rise at Virginia public universities.

For those families who still have money in Prepaid529, you can move that money into a Tuition Track Portfolio account using the Move Funds process on Invest529.com.

However, there’s one rule to know: if you’ve already made two investment changes this year for the same student, you’ll need to wait until January 1, 2026, to make the switch. Still, you can always open a new Tuition Track Portfolio account now and start fresh.

Why You Should Act Before July 15

Every summer the value of Average Tuition shifts to match rising Virginia college costs. This takes place on or about July 15. If you add money before that date, you lock in your savings before tuition rates increase and get more for your money.

Learn more and open an account today.
 

Commonwealth Savers Plan, is the administrator of Invest529, and does not provide investment, tax or legal advice. Please consult a financial, tax or legal expert if you have questions.

¹ Every year, the Average Tuition at Virginia public colleges and universities is calculated and divided into 100 units.