Prepaid College Trust:

Use it to pay the full in-state or in-county tuition and mandatory fees at any Maryland Public college or up to the Weighted Average Tuition toward nearly any private or out-of-state college.

College Investment Plan:

Use it at nearly any public, private, or technical college nationwide for any eligible higher education expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board, books, course-specific fees or supplies.

Prepaid College Trust:

It lets you lock in tomorrow's tuition at today's prices, and it is backed by a Maryland Legislative Guarantee.

College Investment Plan:

You can choose from 13 different investment options – ranging from more aggressive to more conservative investment strategies. Your investment return and principal value will vary, depending on the investment option you choose.

Prepaid College Trust:

The earnings are tax-free when used toward eligible college expenses. Each Maryland account holder can deduct up to $2,500 of payments each year from Maryland income per account - $5,000 for two, $7,500 for three, etc. Payments in excess of $2,500 per account can be deducted in future years until the full amount of payments has been deducted.

College Investment Plan:

The earnings are tax-free when used toward eligible college expenses. Each Maryland account holder can deduct up to $2,500 of contributions each year from Maryland income per beneficiary - $5,000 for two, $7,500 for three, etc. Contributions in excess of $2,500 can be deducted for up to the next 10 years. Contributions in following years could be eligible for deduction; however, you cannot deduct more than $2,500 per beneficiary in any year nor extend the 10-year limit on each year's contribution.

Prepaid College Trust:

Yes, any earnings are federally tax-free when used toward eligible college expenses.

College Investment Plan:

Yes, any earnings are federally tax-free when used toward eligible college expenses.

Prepaid College Trust:

Enrollment is open to children from newborn through 12th grade, although accounts must be open for at least three years before tuition benefits can be paid.

College Investment Plan:

Enrollment is open to children or adults of any age.

Prepaid College Trust:

Either the account holder or child must reside in Maryland or Washington, D.C., when the account is opened.

College Investment Plan:

No, there are no State residency requirements.

Prepaid College Trust:

December 1, 2009 through April 5, 2010 - year-round for newborns.

College Investment Plan:

Any time.

Prepaid College Trust:

There are seven different payment options. You can select one that's right for your family budget. The cost is fixed by number of years purchased, age of child, and payment plan selected. You may change your payment options at any time.

College Investment Plan:

See "How much can I contribute?" (directly below)

Prepaid College Trust:

See "What are my payment choices?" (directly above)

College Investment Plan:

You can invest up to a maximum account balance of $320,000 per student. You will need to make a minimum investment – $250 by check or $25 per portfolio through automatic monthly contributions.

Prepaid College Trust:

The "Prices and Fees" section of the Prepaid College Trust Disclosure Statement contains information on all applicable fees and expenses.

College Investment Plan:

The "Fees and Costs"section of the College Investment Plan Disclosure Statement contains information on all applicable fees and costs.