DES MOINES, Iowa — The average cost of college has more than doubled in the 21st century, leaving many students struggling to pay for higher education. In Des Moines, one nonprofit is working to ease that financial burden by helping families start saving long before graduation.
By Degrees Foundation announced every Des Moines North High School student is now eligible to open a free 529 education savings account.
Students at Findley Elementary and Harding Middle School already had access to the program, but the expansion now includes all North High students. By Degrees offers a $200 deposit for signing up, plus up to $300 more as students meet personal and academic milestones. The initiative is supported in part by a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation…