529 Plan

  • Thoughts on Participation in 529 Plans

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    By Mary Morris
    Virginia529
    December 18, 2012

    Last week, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report about participation in 529 plans across the country. We appreciate the focus on 529 plans and attempts by the GAO to understand the industry by talking to 529 sponsors and partners. The Report contains some interesting findings and food for thought. But, there also are data points in the Report that merit additional context and attention.

  • Best of Both Worlds: How 529 College Savings Plans Complement 529 Prepaid Tuition Plans

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    By Lynne N. Ward
    Executive Director, Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP)
    November 28, 2012

    One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to saving for college. Your family has unique needs, means, and goals, and your family needs a unique college savings blueprint.

    Fortunately, you have lots of options, especially among 529 plans. Two of those options are 529 Prepaid Tuition Plans and 529 College Savings Plans.

  • Families Are Saving More Using 529 Plans

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    (Part 2 in a series based on the findings from the 2012 Mid-Year 529 Report)

    By Mary Anne Busse,
    Managing Director, Great Disclosure LLC

    Last week, we reported that data collected as part of our  2012 Mid-Year529 Report indicates that more families are using 529 Plans than ever before. 529 Plan assets reached record amounts as of June 30, 2012 with $179.02 billion invested nationally. This is an 8.6% increase during the first half of 2012. This week, we’ll focus on some other highlights from the report.

    Average Account Size

    The Report shows that as of June 30, 2012, 529 Plan accounts reached an average account balance of $16,298. In 2002, the average account balance was $9,688. Although the increase in savings may be an encouraging number, take a look at some other relevant numbers. The College Board’s Annual Survey of Colleges shows that in-state tuition and fees (including room and board) at public four-year institutions averaged $9,689 in 2002-2003 and $17,131 in 2011-2012.