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College Savings Foundation (CSF)

CSF is a Washington, D.C.-based not-for-profit organization with the mission of helping American families achieve their education savings goals by working with policy makers, media representatives, and financial services industry executives in support of education savings programs.

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College Savings Foundation (CSF)

CSF is a Washington, D.C.-based not-for-profit organization with the mission of helping American families achieve their education savings goals by working with policy makers, media representatives, and financial services industry executives in support of education savings programs.

Learn More

Start planning for your child’s future today!

Start as early as possible with systematic contributions – and put time on your side.

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Recent Updates

  • 529 College Saving Plans Notebook with Clock and Bag

    529 Day 2026

    This year, education savings plans across the country are offering special bonuses and promotions to help you get started.

    Learn more
  • Annual Results Survey Image - Girl in front of chalkboard thinking

    2026 Youth Survey

    Press Release | April 28, 2026
    Financially-Savvy High School Students Tackle Higher Ed Costs and Prepare for Future Employment, CSF Youth Survey Finds

    Press Release
    Infographic

What is a 529 Plan?

Congress created 529 Education Savings Plans in 1996 under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. They are state-sponsored, tax-advantaged vehicles for qualified post-secondary education expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, required supplies, equipment and room and board. There are two types of 529 Plans: savings plans, which allow families to save for expenses, and prepaid tuition programs, which generally allow families to make advance tuition payments to cover future attendance at a designated in-state public college or university system. Most states offer a 529 plan, and some states offer both savings and pre-paid plans.

Why Invest in a 529 Plan?

Tax Benefits

Investments grow on a tax-deferred basis, and earnings are free of federal income tax.
Contributions are eligible for gift tax exclusion as long as certain conditions are met.
Generally, account owners can remove contributions and future earnings from their taxable estate.
Certain 529 plans offer some type of state tax deduction when residents invest in their own state’s plan.

Control

The account owner decides when and how money in the account is withdrawn.
Account owners can change beneficiaries and investment options fitting various levels of risk and time horizons.

Flexibility

There are currently no income limits. Any U.S. resident or citizen, regardless of income, can open an account.
Account owners can withdraw money at any time.
Funds may be used to pay qualified educational institution in the U.S. (and some schools abroad), including any accredited public or private college or university, graduate school, two-year community or junior college and vocational and technical schools.
Eligible educational institutions include most U.S. schools and some schools located abroad. The institution must be eligible to participate in the U.S. Department of Education student aid programs.
Most plans offer low initial investments and a variety of investment options fitting various levels of risk and time horizons.

*To determine if a school is an eligible education institution, search for its federal school code at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Why Invest in a 529 Plan?

Tax Benefits

Investments grow on a tax-deferred basis, and earnings are free of federal income tax.
Contributions are eligible for gift tax exclusion as long as certain conditions are met.
Generally, account owners can remove contributions and future earnings from their taxable estate.
Certain 529 plans offer some type of state tax deduction when residents invest in their own state’s plan.

Control

The account owner decides when and how money in the account is withdrawn.
Account owners can change beneficiaries and investment options fitting various levels of risk and time horizons.

Flexibility

There are currently no income limits. Any U.S. resident or citizen, regardless of income, can open an account.
Account owners can withdraw money at any time.
Funds may be used to pay qualified educational institution in the U.S. (and some schools abroad), including any accredited public or private college or university, graduate school, two-year community or junior college and vocational and technical schools.
Eligible educational institutions include most U.S. schools and some schools located abroad. The institution must be eligible to participate in the U.S. Department of Education student aid programs.
Most plans offer low initial investments and a variety of investment options fitting various levels of risk and time horizons.

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