Besides dressing them in Penn State paraphernalia or dragging them to the Nittany Lion Shrine, parents now have another way to make their children bleed blue and white before they hit puberty. Under the state's new Tuition Account Program, parents can pay for their children's college education at Penn State or other state schools at today's tuition prices. People can pay for tuition by the semester, credit or unit years before they plan to attend.
Students can use the money for any licensed or accredited school in Pennsylvania.
If the student chooses to attend a less-expensive school, the extra money is used for educational purposes, such as books. At a more expensive school, the difference between that school's tuition and the account's value must be paid by whomever began the account. State Rep. Lynn Herman, R-Centre said it was hard to judge the impact the program will have on university enrollment, but it will make college more affordable to more people. But the program will not benefit students attending college now. Credits must be purchased at least four years in advance, said Michael Arpey, general counsel to the treasurer.