Despite National Parents Poll, Many Illinois Families Take "S.T.E.P.S." to Save for College

When it comes to their children’s future college education, parents know they need to start early. The challenge for some parents is getting started when daycare and other child-rearing costs are more immediate financial obligations.

College Illinois! makes it easier for working families to manage paying for college costs early via S.T.E.P.S. – which translates to “Start Today with Easy Payment Solutions.”

In fact, many families who enrolled a child in College Illinois! during the program’s most recent general enrollment period, took advantage of S.T.E.P.S.

Unfortunately, a recent Wall Street Journal article says that many parents across the country are not saving for their children’s college years despite expecting to be responsible for some or all of those costs in the future.

With more tuition increases announced for this fall, many Illinois parents agree with the philosophy behind College Illinois!’ S.T.E.P.S. approach – that it is better to start small than to never start at all. Anything families can do today to hedge against future tuition inflation is a good start. Despite starting small, participants using College Illinois!’ S.T.E.P.S. approach realize big benefits.

Newborn Enrollment is OPEN!

It’s never too early to start planning for your child’s future college education. College costs are often the last thing parents and grandparents of newborns consider during the child’s first year. However, the earlier parents start a college-funding plan, the stronger their financial position will be at the time of their child’s college freshman orientation.

Parents can still enroll children 12 months of age and younger in the College Illinois! program at 2005-’06 prices through Aug. 1, 2006. Those prices will be lower than expected prices on 2006-’07 plans set to go into effect when the program’s general enrollment period re-opens in the fall.

Mark Your Calendars! New General Enrollment Dates Set

College Illinois!’ general enrollment period for children of all ages runs annually from late fall through early spring. College Illinois! will officially re-open its next general enrollment period on October 23, 2006. It will be the program’s ninth annual general enrollment period. Parents, grandparents, extended family members and friends can enroll children in the program through April 3, 2007.