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

ScholarShare

ScholarShare is California’s 529 savings plan. This college savings plan allows college savings to grow tax-deferred, and monthly contributions can be a small as $15.00. As college costs escalate, this plan can provide any U.S. resident, including parents and grandparents, an easy way to save for a child’s future college expenses. For more information on ScholarShare telephone (800) 544-5248 or visit the Web site at: