Washington Administrative Code Title 14 - Advanced Tuition Payment, Committee on
Overview
WAC Title 14 governs the Advanced Tuition Payment Program in Washington State, which is overseen by a specific committee. The purpose of this program is to allow families to prepay college tuition at today’s rates for students who plan to attend college in the future. Essentially, it helps families lock in tuition costs and provides a structured savings plan for higher education.
The Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment is responsible for administering, overseeing, and regulating this program according to state law. This includes managing funds, creating rules for enrollment, and ensuring compliance with applicable financial and educational regulations.
Key Functions of the Committee
Program Administration
Establishes policies and procedures for participation in the program.
Sets eligibility criteria for families and students wishing to participate.
Coordinates with colleges and universities to guarantee tuition payments are applied correctly.
Financial Management
Manages the funds collected from prepaid tuition accounts.
Ensures funds are invested prudently to meet future tuition obligations.
Provides regular financial reporting and accountability to the state and participants.
Rules and Regulations
Develops and updates administrative rules for program operation.
Determines how tuition is calculated for prepayment (e.g., what portion of tuition can be prepaid, how future tuition increases are handled).
Sets rules for withdrawal, refund, or transfer of prepaid accounts.
Enrollment and Contracts
Oversees contracts between families and the program, ensuring legal clarity.
Establishes deadlines and procedures for enrollment and payment.
Maintains records of enrolled students and account balances.
Participant Support
Provides guidance and information to families about benefits, costs, and limitations of the program.
Helps resolve disputes or questions about account usage, refunds, or college placement.
Eligibility and Participation
Typically, any Washington resident can participate, although specific age or relationship requirements may exist.
Payments can often be made monthly, annually, or in a lump sum, depending on the participant’s preference and program rules.
Participation usually involves signing a binding agreement with the committee to prepay tuition at current rates.
Benefits
Financial Predictability
Locks in tuition rates, protecting against future increases.
Savings for Families
Can reduce the financial burden of higher education.
Flexibility
Some programs allow for partial prepayment or transferring benefits to other eligible family members.
Oversight
The committee must ensure compliance with state law, including proper management of funds and transparent reporting.
It may also coordinate with the State Treasurer, Department of Education, or higher education institutions to maintain program integrity.
In short, WAC Title 14 is a framework that governs how Washington State manages prepaid college tuition programs through a dedicated committee. It establishes rules, oversight, financial management, and enrollment procedures to help families plan for higher education costs efficiently.
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