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Personal finance

How to open a 529 account

Here's how to take the first steps on your college savings journey.
2 minute read

Step 1: Find out if The Vanguard 529 Plan is your best option

Compare The Vanguard 529 Plan with other state plans

Step 2: Choose your investments

If you're saving for higher education, after figuring out your comfort with risk, consider a Target Enrollment Portfolio to make investing as easy as possible.

Decide what to hold in your college account

See why Target Enrollment Portfolios are a great choice for education goals

Keep in mind that you can use Target Enrollment Portfolios to save for more than college. K–12, graduate school, trade school, and apprenticeships are eligible goals as well.

Learn more about investing for K–12

Step 3: Open your 529 account

Here's what you'll need:

  • Your personal information (name, address, Social Security number, etc.).
  • Your beneficiary's name, birth date, and Social Security number.
  • Your banking information (bank account number and routing number), if you're going to make your first contribution using an electronic transfer.
  • Your investment selections.

Beneficiary

The person you're opening the account for, or the future student. This person doesn't have control of the money in the account, but can use the money from the plan for school costs. The account owner controls the money on behalf of the beneficiary.

We're here to help

Talk with one of our education savings specialists.

Call 866-734-4533

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time

Open a Vanguard 529 account

Get started

For more information about The Vanguard 529 College Savings Plan, visit vanguard.com to 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 insuch state's qualified tuition program. Other state benefits may include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors. 

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

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. 

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. 

For more information about any 529 college savings plan, contact the plan provider to obtain a Program Description (PDF), which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other information; read and consider it carefully before investing. If you are not a taxpayer of the state offering the plan, 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. Vanguard Marketing Corporation serves as distributor for some 529 plans.

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