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The Global Insight

What are the best performing 529 plans

Author

Matthew Martinez

Updated on April 20, 2026

RankStatePlan1South DakotaCollegeAccess 529 (Direct-sold)2AlaskaAlaska 5292AlaskaT. Rowe Price College Savings Plan4NevadaUSAA 529 College Savings Plan

What is the average rate of return on 529 plans?

In 2011, people thought a rate of return around 3% for a 529 plan was amazing. Since 2011, the S&P’s compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) is ~12% from June 2011 to June 2020. That is a lot more tax-free growth than the 3% account owners got back in 2011.

Is USAA 529 plan good?

Overall, the USAA 529 College Savings Plan is above average in performance, ease of setting up and use, and customer service.

Why is Utah 529 the best?

Utah 529 Plan (My529) This stands as one of the highest allowed 529 contributions in the country. And once you reach that level, your money still grows tax-free. Utah residents in particular may take a 5% income tax credit on their contributions up to a certain limit.

Why is a 529 plan a bad idea?

It could hurt your child’s chances of getting financial aid Any distributions from a 529 plan that’s owned by a third-party are counted as untaxed income, and they may hurt your child’s chances of qualifying for financial aid, including grants, work-study programs, and subsidized loans.

Can you lose money in a 529?

You don’t lose unused money in a 529 plan. The money can still be used for post-secondary education, for another beneficiary who is a qualified family member such as younger siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren, or even for yourself.

How much should I put into 529 plan each month?

What does this mean for you? Choosing a 529 plan could mean a much lower monthly contribution since the money grows over time. With a 529 plan, a solid monthly contribution amount for a child born in 2017 would be about $165 for a public in-state school, $260 for public out-of-state, or $325 for a private university.

Can you use 529 from another state?

You can use a 529 plan from any state to pay for an eligible college in any state.

Are 529 tax deductible in Utah?

State tax deduction or credit for contributions: Contributions to the Utah 529 plan of up to $2,070 in 2021 per beneficiary by an individual, and up to $4,140 in 2021 per beneficiary by a married couple filing jointly, are eligible for a 5% credit against Utah income tax.

Who administers Utah's 529 plan?

The Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) is a Section 529 plan administered and managed by the Utah State Board of Regents and the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority (UHEAA). Read the Program Description for more information and consider all investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing.

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Who bought USAA 529?

Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. will acquire USAA Asset Management Company, investment advisor to the USAA mutual funds that serve as underlying funds of the portfolios in the USAA 529 College Savings Plan.

What happened to my USAA 529 account?

The sale of the Asset Management Company includes USAA’s mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and 529 accounts. It closed in 2019 and Victory expects to finish moving the accounts over to their systems during 2020. The Investment Management Company includes USAA’s brokerage and managed-portfolio accounts.

Does USAA pay for college?

Up to $10,000 a year in tuition assistance to pursue any degrees, regardless of level or field of study. Generous time off policy, including 16 hours a year for volunteering with organizations of their choice. Healthy food discount of 50 percent at USAA cafeterias.

What happens to 529 if stock market crashes?

IRS rules for liquidating a 529 plan To claim the loss, the 529 plan account had to be completely liquidated, and any non-qualified distributions would be subject to income tax and a 10% penalty on the earnings portion of the distribution.

Is a trust better than a 529 plan?

With tax-benefits, 529 plans may be a smart way to give your children the gift of education. An irrevocable trust may be an even better alternative if you’re concerned about estate taxes. Irrevocable trusts offer more investment and distribution flexibility than 529 plans.

Should I open 529 for each child?

529 plans offer tax-deferred investment growth and tax-free withdrawals when the funds are used to pay for qualified education expenses for a specific beneficiary. … In most cases it makes sense to have a separate 529 plan for each child, but some parents may prefer to use a single plan.

What are the disadvantages of a 529 college savings plan?

  • There are significant upfront costs. …
  • Your child’s need-based aid could be reduced. …
  • There are penalties for noneducational withdrawals. …
  • There are also penalties for ill-timed withdrawals. …
  • You have less say over your investments.

What is the max 529 contribution for 2020?

If you’re a single filer, you can contribute up to $15,000 per year without incurring gift taxes. And if you’re a married couple filing jointly, the amount jumps to $30,000 per year. Beyond that amount, you’ll have to pay gift tax.

How much money should a 10 year old have in the bank?

Levine recommends 50 cents to a dollar for every year of age, on a weekly basis. For example, a 10 year old would receive $5 to $10 per week. As your child grows, so should his responsibility for his own discretionary spending. Keep track of what you spend on him for a couple of weeks.

How aggressive is 529?

Pietroburgo recommends switching from a 80 percent aggressive, 20 percent conservative investment mix to either a 50-50 mix or a 60 percent aggressive, 40 percent conservative formula once your child begins middle school.

When should I transfer my 529 to cash?

A key point to understand: You must request a cash withdrawal from a 529 plan during the same calendar year as you make the payment. If the timing is off, you risk owing tax because it will be considered a nonqualified withdrawal.

How much should parents save for college?

Kantrowitz recommends the one-third rule as a rough guide for how much parents should be saving: one-third of the cost of a four-year college education will come from parent’s income and financial aid, one-third from savings and investments and one-third from student loans.

Does Utah offer a 529 plan?

my529 is a nonprofit 529 plan established by the State of Utah in 1996. my529 is Utah’s official and only 529 plan.

How do I set up a 529 plan in Utah?

  1. Pick Your Form. Depending on who is opening the account, you may need one of several different forms, which are designated by number. …
  2. Choose Your Beneficiary. …
  3. Designate Successor Account Owners. …
  4. Choose Your Investment Portfolio. …
  5. Make a Contribution. …
  6. Set Up an Account Online.

How do I open a 529 plan in Utah?

Open an account online. Alternatively, submit an individual Account Agreement (Form 100) or call my529 at 800.418. 2551 to obtain a copy of the form. No fee or initial contribution is required to open an account.

How do I choose a 529 plan?

  1. Step 1 – Choose the type of plan you want. College savings plans are the most common type of 529 plan. …
  2. Step 2 – See what your state offers. Over 30 states offer a state tax benefit for contributions to a 529 plan. …
  3. Step 3 – Research and compare. …
  4. Step 4 – Open your plan.

Can I buy a computer with 529 funds?

Technology Items – You can use a 529 plan to cover technological needs such as computers, printers, laptops and even internet service. These items must be used by the plan beneficiary while enrolled in college.

Can you open a 529 for yourself?

Regardless of your age, you can set up a Section 529 plan for yourself to fund educational expenses now or in the future. You can use the money in a 529 plan to upgrade your skills by just taking a few classes at a qualified college or trade school, or working towards a degree or advanced certificate.

How long can you keep a 529?

Time and Age Limits on 529 College Savings Plans There are no time or age limits on using a state 529 college savings plan. Money can be kept in a 529 plan indefinitely. 529 plans can be used for graduate school, not just undergraduate school, and can be passed on to one’s children.

What can Utah 529 be used for?

Funds saved through my529 may be used for a beneficiary’s qualified education expenses, including tuition and fees; required books, supplies, and equipment; computers, software, and internet access; and certain room and board costs. 529 funds can also be used to pay up to $10,000 of annual K-12 tuition expenses.

Why did USAA sell to Charles Schwab?

“Schwab approaches every decision ‘through clients’ eyes’ and offers a wide selection of investment products and services for some of the lowest costs in the industry.” The sale is part of USAA’s strategy to simplify its business and focus on its core products and services in insurance and banking.