DES MOINES — State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced 85 percent of the children that have participated in the College Savings Iowa’s annual State Fair survey show getting a college education is a necessary step to achieving their dreams and career aspirations. “Iowa children are already thinking about their futures,” Fitzgerald said. “This survey demonstrates how important it is for families to start planning and saving early to help make college a reality for their children.
“Every year we ask children visiting the fair what they want to be when they grow up and if they will need to go to college to achieve these goals. Needless to say, we are always amazed by the responses they offer.” Nineteen percent are planning on becoming veterinarians, with another 18 percent hoping to become teachers. Artist came in third this year with 14 percent of the responses.
“According to the survey, the majority of kids think a college education will cost them around $100,000,” Fitzgerald said. “Families that save and invest for their children’s college education will be better prepared to meet the challenge of paying for it when the time arrives, and College Savings Iowa is here to help.” Anyone – parents, grandparents, friends and relatives — can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. This year Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $3,098 in contributions per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income. Earnings grow tax free and investors can withdraw their investment federally and Iowa state tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.
For more information about College Savings Iowa, visit collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116. You can also connect with the plan on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on current giveaways and events.