529 Plans

529 portfolios backed by our premium brand

Looking for a complete portfolio in one investment that balances your asset mix for you? Or are you a DIY investor who'd rather strategize on your own? We're here for you either way.

Open a Vanguard 529 account

How do you want to pick investments for your 529 account?

"I want an easy, hands-off way to save for my goal."

If managing your own investments seems too complicated or involved, then considering our 11 Target Enrollment Portfolios could be your next move. Simply pick a portfolio based on the year closest to when you expect your student to start attending school—it could be any time from kindergarten through college and beyond. We do the rest for you, including automatically shifting your savings to become more conservative as your targeted date draws near. Once you open your account, all you have to do is check periodically to make sure the portfolio continues to align with your risk level and goal.

Check out our Target Enrollment Portfolios

"I'm more hands-on and would rather create my own strategy."

If you're more of a do-it-yourself investor and like to remain in control, you can design an investment strategy from our 20 individual portfolios. Select up to 5 portfolios at a time, and then manage that mix based on your time horizon and tolerance for risk.

Check out our individual portfolios

Want to use our individual portfolios but need some help figuring out your asset mix? We're on it:

Get an asset mix recommendation for education goals

Pay attention to costs

All investments have costs. But the less you pay in 529 expenses, the more you can keep for education. And when it comes to low costs, The Vanguard 529 Plan is recognized as a leader.

Want to roll over money you have in another 529 plan?

Learn how to move money to The Vanguard 529 Plan

Related options

Use our college savings planner to see if you'll have enough for college

Investing for K–12 goals

Saving for kindergarten through high school tuition? Keep these things in mind

The Vanguard 529 College Savings Plan is a Nevada Trust administered by the office of the Nevada State Treasurer.

For more information about The Vanguard 529 College Savings Plan, obtain a Program Description, which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other information; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

If you are not a Nevada taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program. Other state benefits may include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors.

State tax treatment of K–12 withdrawals is determined by the state(s) where the taxpayer files state income tax. Please consult with a tax advisor for further guidance.

The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as the Investment Manager for The Vanguard 529 College Savings Plan and through its affiliate, Vanguard Marketing Corporation, markets and distributes the Plan. Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, LLC, serves as Program Manager and has overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds. Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the Plan.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.