Saving for College

Terrance & Katelyn W., members since 2016

Set your child (or yourself) up for success with smart financial planning for college

The best way to ensure a great college experience is to be financially prepared. Know how much you need to save and understand your financing options. Wright-Patt Credit Union® (WPCU®) can help make it easier! 

  • Start Saving for the Future

    It’s never too early to start the college planning process:

  • Offsetting Your Child’s College Expenses

    Now it’s time to figure out how to pay for two to four —or more—years of higher education:

  • Start College on the Right Financial Track

    Steer your child in the direction of learning smarter ways to manage money in college—and beyond.

Start Saving for the Future

It’s never too early to start the college planning process:
  • You can start saving for college from the moment your child is born. A 529 College Savings Plan is a savings option that comes with tax benefits. 
  • Start saving early to reduce the need to take on excessive student loans. 
  • Build your child’s college fund with a WPCU Share Certificate and earn some of the best rates around. 

  • As the time approaches, do a cost comparison of your child’s top choices, including tuition, fees, room and board. 

Check out this helpful “Financing Higher Education” interactive module for useful guidance. then Contact Us to get started saving.

Offsetting Your Child’s College Expenses

Now it’s time to figure out how to pay for two to four —or more—years of higher education:
  • Get a clear picture of how much your specific school will cost, including tuition, room and board, supplies, fees and other miscellaneous expenses. 
  • First, look into any potential scholarships, grants and financial aid your child may be eligible for.
  • Even with scholarships and financial aid, you’ll likely still have some expenses to cover. Think about these money-saving WPCU options:
  • And of course, there’s always good, old-fashioned employment. Work-study programs, on-campus employment and summer jobs can go a long way in helping to cover college expenses. 

Our financial experts can help you explore your options to fill educational funding gaps and make college more affordable. Have all of your college-planning questions answered by our College Access Counselor. Contact Us or come visit a convenient Member Center.

Start College on the Right Financial Track

Steer your child in the direction of learning smarter ways to manage money in college—and beyond.
  • Use WPCU’s Totally Fair Checking® Account to manage money with no hidden fees. 
  • Students can access their account while away from home with over 40,000 lower-to-no fee ATMs and WPCU’s network of more than 5,300 partner locations nationwide.
  • Be sure to download the WPCU, award-winning Mobile App so your student can stay on top of how they are managing their money.
  • Even when “extras” are short, students can turn spending into saving with our EasySaver® debit card round-up program. Take the change from everyday purchases and start saving!

At Wright-Patt Credit Union, we’re committed to helping you achieve financial success in college so you can live the life you want to live after reaching your educational goals.  Contact Us or visit a convenient Member Center.

  • Financial Learning Center

    There is a wealth of free financial learning seminars, webinars, online resources and more at the WPCU Financial Learning Center.

  • Budget Worksheets

    Start a budget and create a monthly spending plan with our easy-to-use financial worksheets.

  • Brochures/Documents

    Learn more about the products, services and resources available from Wright-Patt Credit Union that can help you on your Financial Flexibility and Freedom® journey.

  • Financial Calculators

    Use our financial calculators to estimate monthly payments, refinance needs, estimated savings and more.

  • Financial Flex Snapshot

    Take 2 minutes to answer 8 questions and receive a snapshot of what's going well with your money and opportunities to improve your Financial Flexibility and Freedom® journey!

  • Learn How to Stay Debt Free

    In or out of college, maintaining your good credit is critical to your successful future. Access this useful page that brings together expert advice for staying out of debt.