Learn surprising facts about 529 college savings plans, including tax benefits and flexible uses for education.
10 things that may surprise you about 529s
A 529 plan is a state-sponsored, tax-advantaged education savings account that offers tax benefits and spending options. They're one of the most popular education savings account types in the U.S.
Good to know
Excess funds from a 529 can now be used to jump-start the beneficiary's Roth IRA savings.1 It's a new world of possibilities for your loved one's future.
Thinking about opening a 529? Here are 10 things you should know (and a few might surprise you).
1. 529s aren't just for 4-year colleges
While many high school graduates go on to attend traditional universities, some have different plans for the future, like attending trade school or studying abroad. Whatever higher education looks like for them, a 529 plan can help fund it. Some 529 plans also allow for assets to be used toward K–12 expenses of up to $20,000 per student per year at a public, private, or religious school.2
2. 529s pay for more than just tuition
Your investment can be used to pay for tuition, room and board, books, supplies, and other qualified expenses at any accredited vocational school, college, or graduate school in the U.S. or abroad.
3. Grow your 529 with regular monthly or lump-sum contributions
Making regular contributions to your 529 plan is one of the easiest ways to help your money grow over time. You can set up automatic monthly payments and even schedule annual increases to keep pace with your goals. Best of all, you can contribute up to the annual gift tax exclusion without triggering federal gift taxes.
If you're looking to make a larger impact up front, superfunding may be an option. This strategy lets you contribute 5 years' worth of contributions at once while staying within gift tax limits. This gives your investment more time to grow through compounding, potentially making it a smart move for long-term planning. It can also play an important part in estate planning as a way to pass on your wealth.
4. Excess 529 funds can be converted to Roth IRA savings
Unused 529 funds can now be used for retirement too. Account owners can incrementally roll over a lifetime maximum of $35,000 (following annual rollover limits) tax- and penalty-free to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary.1
5. You can transfer the plan to a family member
You can change the account beneficiary anytime as long as the new beneficiary is a qualified family member. For example, if a child decides not to go to college after high school, the money can go to someone else, like a sibling, stepchild, or parent who has plans to pursue education in the future.
6. Almost anyone can open a 529 (hey, Grandma!)
Parents aren't the only ones who can open a 529 plan and start saving. Almost anyone can, including grandparents, other relatives, and friends. But did you know that grandparents can fund a 529 without impacting financial aid eligibility? It's true—thanks to a streamlined FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form that eliminates questions about grandparent contributions.
7. You can open a 529 account for yourself
If you have plans to go back to school, you can open a 529 account for yourself. Yes, the account owner and beneficiary of the savings account can be the same person. Up to $10,000 (lifetime cap per individual) from a 529 plan can also be used for student loan repayment.3 What better way to invest in your future?
8. Anyone can contribute to a 529
After a 529 account is opened, everyone can contribute—friends, family, neighbors, or anyone who wants to help—via cash, check, or electronic transfer. With The Vanguard 529 Plan, family and friends can also use Ugift® to easily contribute $50 or more online. They just choose the amount they want to give, and it's deposited directly into the account. It's the perfect way to celebrate (think birthdays, showers, and graduations).
9. A beneficiary can have multiple accounts
More than one account can be opened on behalf of the same beneficiary. For example, if a grandmother already opened a 529 for a grandchild, the child's parent can open one too. They're both saving for future education expenses and still eligible for state tax deductions.
10. You can leave your investments to the experts or DIY
The Vanguard 529 Plan has options to suit how you approach investing. Hands-on investors can strategize and choose an asset mix that fits their timeline and risk tolerance. If you're interested in an investment option that automatically adjusts to become more conservative as your beneficiary approaches their enrollment date, you may consider a Target Enrollment Portfolio.
Is The Vanguard 529 Plan right for you?
More than 350,000 families nationwide have chosen The Vanguard 529 Plan to invest in more than half a million futures.4 With The Vanguard 529, investors get access to high-quality investment options and low costs over the life of the plan, leaving more money to put toward education. In fact, our costs are among the lowest in the industry.5
Check out this decision tree to see if The Vanguard 529 is a good fit for you.
Already know you want to open a Vanguard 529?
When you're ready to start saving, you can open a Vanguard 529 online. You'll just need these 3 things:
- Basic information: Make sure you have the beneficiary's Social Security number, birth date, and address. By the way, parents-to-be can open an account and add their child's Social Security number later.
- Investment choices: Consider a Target Enrollment Portfolio based on the year closest to when your beneficiary expects to start attending school or assemble an investment strategy from our individual portfolios.
- Bank information: You'll need your bank account and routing numbers if you plan to make your first contribution through an electronic bank transfer.
The sooner you start, the more time you'll have to save.