Find the right 529 plan for your needs with Vanguard. Explore options, benefits, and strategies to effectively save for your child’s education.
Find the right 529 plan for you

4 things to look for in a 529 plan
1. State tax benefits
First, see what tax breaks your state offers for qualified higher-education expenses. Some states give benefits regardless of which state's 529 you invest in.* State tax treatment of K–12 withdrawals is determined by the state(s) where the taxpayer files state income tax. You should consult with a tax advisor for further guidance.
2. Fees & cost
The less you pay in fees and costs, the more you'll have left to pay for college. Even costs that may seem insignificantly higher could eventually offset any state tax benefit you get from your state's plan.
3. Investment choices
If you're interested in simplifying your education savings decisions, consider plans that include enrollment-year options with portfolio management built-in. These are single portfolios that automatically adjust for you—becoming more conservative as students get closer to the year they expect to enroll in school.
Learn more about the investment options in The Vanguard 529 Plan
4. Initial investment amount
Contributing a large chunk of money to your 529 account is a great way to kick-start your college savings, but in today's world, that may not be possible. So look for a plan that has a minimum investment that fits your budget.
See how The Vanguard 529 stacks up
- Tell us where you live.
- See if you get a tax break.
- Compare plans.
You get more with The Vanguard 529 Plan
Low costs and a high level of customer service are just a few things you can expect from us.