529 college savings plans
Start saving for their education today
Saving in a TIAA-managed 529 plan can help make your loved ones’ education more affordable and help you stay on track with your own financial goals.
Overview
What is 529 plan?
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged education savings account that helps families save for qualified education expenses. Contributions grow tax deferred, and withdrawals for eligible expenses such as tuition, books, and room & board are tax free. Plans offer investment options and high contribution limits, making them an effective way to prepare for education costs.
Key benefits of a TIAA-managed 529 plan
Unique tax advantages
Earnings in a 529 account grow federal and state income tax deferred and are tax free when used for qualified withdrawals. Many states offer a state income tax deduction on contributions.
Diverse investment choices
TIAA-managed 529 plans offer a variety of professionally managed investment portfolios for all types of investors with different risk tolerance and college savings goals.
Low program fees
TIAA is committed to providing low cost 529 plans so more of your hard-earned money may go toward qualified education expenses.
It works for more than just college
Fund your education goals from K-12 through graduate school, certified apprenticeships, and qualifying international programs with flexible 529 savings.1
Use it for more than just tuition
Pay for tuition, computers, textbooks, room and board or off-campus rent, and other required expenses. You can even repay up to a lifetime limit of $10,000 per individual for student loan repayment.1
Available across the country
Choose from multiple state 529 plans regardless of residency. Each offers unique benefits like tax advantages and fee structures—compare to find your best fit.
529 plan by state
TIAA-managed 529 Plans
ScholarShare 529
California’s 529 College Savings Plan: A flexible and tax-advantaged savings plan for your loved ones’ higher education.
Colorado Advisor Plan
Advisor-sold 529 plans are available only through select financial intermediary firms and cannot be established through TIAA.
Path2College 529
Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan: A flexible and tax-advantaged savings plan for your loved ones’ higher education.
Bright Start 529
Illinois’ Bright Start 529 Plan: A flexible and tax-advantaged savings plan for your loved ones’ higher education.
Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP)
Michigan’s 529 College Savings Plan: A flexible and tax-advantaged savings plan for your loved ones’ higher education.
Michigan Advisor Plan
Advisor-sold 529 plans are available only through select financial intermediary firms and cannot be established through TIAA.
Minnesota 529 College Savings Plan (MNSAVES)
Minnesota 529 College Savings Plan: A flexible and tax-advantaged savings plan for your loved ones’ higher education.
Oklahoma 529
Oklahoma’s 529 College Savings Plan: A flexible and tax-advantaged savings plan for your loved ones’ higher education.
WA529 Invest
Washington’s 529 College Savings Plan: A flexible and tax-advantaged savings plan for your loved ones’ higher education.
Edvest 529
Wisconsin’s 529 College Savings Plan: A flexible and tax-advantaged savings plan for your loved ones’ higher education.
Why tiaa
Why save for education with TIAA?
TIAA has managed 529 plans for over two decades, helping families save smarter through innovative state partnerships. More than 1 in 4 Americans live in a state with a TIAA-managed 529 Plan.
Holistic financial plan
Families often turn to student loans to pay for college—but that debt can delay other goals, like retirement. TIAA helps you build a smarter savings strategy that supports education funding while keeping your long-term financial health on track.
Leadership
A pioneer in the 529 industry, TIAA has more than 20 years of experience managing 529 college savings plans. We offer eight direct-sold and two advisor-sold plans, partnering with states to help families invest confidently in education.
Serving 2M+ families
TIAA serves more than 2.1 million families saving for higher education. Together, they’ve set aside over $67 billion to make education more accessible and affordable.2
People
Dedicated 529 expertise with an average of 15 years experience and an education savings focused investment team.
Cost of college
How much should you save?
Families use a combination of sources to pay for college. And despite the popular notion that grants and scholarships are rare, many families receive some kind of aid they don’t need to repay.
Schedule an appointment
Speak with a 529 consultant
Help turn college dreams into reality – reserve your planning meeting today.
John Skinner
Senior Consultant, Education Savings
Ashley Sadsad
Senior Consultant, Education Savings
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faq
What people ask us
What is a 529 plan?
A 529 plan is a special savings account designed to help families pay for future education costs. They're available to anyone, at least 18 years of age, living in the U.S. who has a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
529 plans are sponsored by state agencies and allow you to set aside money over time. The account grows through investments, and the funds can be used for things like college or certain K–12 expenses.1 While you don’t need to choose a school when opening the account, the money must later be used for qualified education expenses, or taxes and penalties may apply.
Have more questions about how 529 plans work, who can benefit, or what expenses qualify? We've compiled answers to the most common questions families ask when considering a 529 plan. Read more frequently asked questions in our comprehensive
What are the benefits of a 529 plan?
Unlike some investment vehicles, a major benefit of a 529 plan is that your money can grow without being taxed as it grows over time. When used properly for education costs, you won’t pay taxes on withdrawals. Some states also offer tax deductions or credits when you contribute.
Anyone—parents, grandparents, or friends—can add money to the account. The account owner stays in control, even if the student doesn’t attend college right away. The beneficiary can be switched to another family member if plans change.
How do 529 plans work?
A 529 plan works by letting you invest money in different investment options, such as enrollment year or static portfolios. These investments rise or fall depending on the market and you decide how much to contribute and how often.
When it’s time to pay for education, you request a withdrawal to send funds directly to a school or to reimburse yourself. Withdrawals must be made in the same calendar year your student incurred the expense. There are no income limitations and generous maximum account balance limits vary by state.
1 Withdrawals for qualified K-12 (primary or secondary) expenses such as tuition, books, testing fees, tutoring and educational therapies for students with disabilities, registered apprenticeship programs and student loan repayment can be withdrawn free from federal income tax. Some states do not fully conform with the federal laws. These distributions may be considered non-qualified and the earnings portion of the withdrawal subject to state income tax. In addition, non-conforming states offering a state income tax deduction for 529 plan contributions may impose a recapture. Limitations also apply. You should talk to a qualified professional about how tax provisions affect your circumstances.
2Based on statistics as of 11/30/25.
The 529 college savings plans listed above are offered and administered by the issuing state. Please refer to the Plan Description prior to investing for its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses and whether your home state offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, or protection from creditors for investing in its own 529 plan. Carefully read the Plan Description on each state's site, or call the college savings plan for assistance. Investments in the TFI-managed 529 college savings plans are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. Consult your legal or tax professional for tax advice. If funds aren't used for qualified education expenses, a 10% penalty tax on earnings (as well as federal and state income taxes) may apply.
TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. (TFI) is the Plan Manager for several state 529 plans, and TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, is the distributor and underwriter for those plans.