College Savings

TIPS Program

With the TIPS program, you may be eligible for a 4-to-1 match!

Encouraging families to save for the future costs of college

The Tennessee Investments Preparing Scholars (TIPS) program was created to encourage families of all income levels to save for the growing costs associated with post secondary education.

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TIPS program logo. Tennessee Investments Preparing Scholars

Here's how it works

A program of the Tennessee Treasury Department, TIPS is a matching grant program offering incentives to participate in the TNStars® College Savings 529 Program to Tennessee residents meeting certain household income requirements.

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4-to-1 match

When a qualifying family establishes a TNStars® account and enrolls a beneficiary in the TIPS program, the state will provide a 4-to-1 matching contribution.

That’s $100 for every $25 contributed by the account holder. Beneficiaries can receive a match of $500 per year, with a lifetime maximum match of $1,500.

2020 Total Federal Adjusted Gross Income*

If you are a Tennessee resident and your income does not exceed the limits below, you may qualify for a 4-to-1 match for college savings. Persons in a family or household:

1 = $31,900
2 = $43,100

3 = $54,300
4 = $65,500

5 = $76,700
6 = $87,900

7 = $99,100
8 = $110,300

For family units of more than eight (8) members, add $4,480 for each additional person.

*The TIPS program income limits are based on 250% of federal poverty guidelines. Beginning in January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021,
TIPS applicants may submit the 2020 tax return with the TIPS program application.

Get started today!

Open a TNStars® account with a minimum contribution of $25.
Complete the TIPS application, which you can find below.
Submit a tax return or transcript for each income earner in the household.

Open a TNStars account

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TIPS Reference Guide cover page

TIPS Resources to Keep or Share!

Know someone who could benefit from the TIPS 4-to-1 matching grant, or just want to keep some additional information on hand for your own use? Use the button below to download our TIPS Reference Guide!

Download the TIPS Reference Guide

TIPS forms

Use the following forms and documents to learn more, apply for, and manage your TIPS program account.
Applications cannot be submitted before August 1, 2020.

TIPS program application TIPS program description
TIPS withdrawal of funds TIPS change of beneficiary