Savings and Tax Credit Plans

Savings and tax credit plans are available to eligible Cal State East Bay students and their families. These are the Hope Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit, and the Golden State ScholarShare Trust.

Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits

Both credits are claimed when you or your parents file federal income tax forms. The Hope Credit provides up to $1,500 for first- and second-year students. The Lifetime Learning Credit allows 20%, up to $5,000, of a family's tuition expenses to be taken in the form of a tax credit. Both programs have an income ceiling. Additional information may be obtained from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or a tax professional.

Golden State ScholarShare Trust

The Golden State ScholarShare Trust is a tax-deferred savings plan administered by the California Student Aid Commission. Families and individuals participating in this plan make contributions toward future educational expenses of children, grandchildren and others. TIAA-CREF, the world's largest pension system, invests these pooled contributions, which grow on a tax-deferred basis. For more information on this program, visit the ScholarShare Web site or telephone CSAC at (916) 526-7590.