How 529 Plans Can Unlock a Range of Education Opportunities

Recently, a noticeable shift has occurred in the educational landscape, with fewer individuals pursuing a traditional college education. In fact, nationwide, college enrollment dropped 8% from 2019 to 2022.¹ Rising costs and student debt, perception of value, alternative educational options, and changing labor market dynamics have all played a part in this change.

There has also been a resurgence in the popularity of apprenticeships and vocational schools (such as automotive training or plumbing apprenticeships) as viable and affordable alternatives to traditional higher education. As individuals seek practical and focused training in areas with industry demand, apprenticeships and vocational schools offer distinct advantages, such as job‑ready skills, affordability, career advancement opportunities, real‑world experience, and competitive pay.

Though 529 accounts are perhaps most well known for helping to cover expenses associated with a traditional four-year undergraduate degree program, the aforementioned shifts in the educational landscape have led to a broadened range of qualified uses for 529 funds. Whether you already own a 529 account or are considering setting one up, you might be surprised to learn that qualified 529 distributions can be used to pursue a variety of educational, enrichment, and career advancement paths beyond just a traditional bachelor’s degree. Here are several of the ways a 529 can be utilized before college, in lieu of college, during and after (or in conjunction with) college, and in adulthood—as well as options for making the most of leftover 529 funds down the road.

K–12 tuition

Individuals can use 529 funds for tuition expenses at K–12 public, private, and religious schools. The distribution maximum is $10,000 per year, per beneficiary. While qualified distributions from 529 plans for K–12 tuition expenses are federally tax‑free, state tax treatment will vary and could include state income taxes assessed, the recapture of previously deducted amounts from state taxes, and/or state‑level penalties.

Vocational school

Vocational schools (commonly referred to as trade or technical schools) offer specialized skills training for a particular career, such as plumber, electrician, HVAC technician, dental hygienist, radiologic technologist, air traffic controller, construction manager, and chef, among many others. Students can typically complete their respective program in two years or less and at a fraction of the cost of a four‑year college. According to Value Colleges, the average cost to complete a trade school program is $33,000—less than one year of tuition and fees at most private nonprofit four‑year colleges.²

Students can use a 529 plan to pay for qualified expenses associated with trade school programs that are eligible for Title IV federal student aid. To search for eligible trade schools, you can use the Federal School Code Lookup Tool.

Registered apprenticeship

Registered apprenticeships offer participants an opportunity to “earn while they learn.” While some programs prefer applicants with a relevant vocational certificate/degree or a set number of technical training hours, others may only require a high school diploma or GED and passing of a proficiency test in math or English. While working on the job, apprentices receive one‑on‑one full‑time training from a skilled craftsperson and are paid according to a progressive pay scale. The programs cover a wide range of industries—from health care and engineering to manufacturing and transportation. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), there are 27,000 registered apprenticeship programs nationwide,³ and 93% of apprentices who complete a registered apprenticeship program retain employment, with an average annual salary of $77,000.⁴

Though registered apprenticeships are paid (so no tuition is involved), 529 plan assets can be used to cover fees, equipment, and supplies needed to pursue the program. Keep in mind that all apprenticeships must be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor to qualify. You can use the DOL’s Occupation Finder to identify approved Registered Apprenticeship program occupations and explore program options.

Community college

If a 529 beneficiary would like to pursue a bachelor’s degree but wants to save money in the process (or simply take some time to mature), they might consider earning an associate degree. An associate degree program allows students to earn up to two years of undergraduate credits at a community college or online university before transferring to a four-year college. As long as the credits are earned through an eligible institution, 529 funds can be used to cover expenses and could help to cut down on the overall expense incurred while working toward a four-year undergraduate degree.

Study abroad program

A semester studying abroad has become a common enrichment option for third-year undergraduate students. Luckily, in many cases, 529 plan assets can be used to cover qualified expenses associated with a study abroad program, provided it is approved for credit by the student’s home (U.S.‑based) college or university. Room and board during the study abroad program may also be considered qualified as long as the student is enrolled at least half‑time. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of eligible institutions, including some foreign universities.

Graduate school

Most graduate and professional programs are eligible for qualified use of 529 funds, as long as they are offered by an accredited public or private U.S. college or university. International schools that are eligible to accept U.S. federal student aid would be eligible as well. You can use your savings to pay for qualified expenses.

Student loan repayment

If you incur student loan debt in pursuit of your bachelor’s or graduate degree, tax‑free 529 plan distributions can be used for repayment of principal and interest on qualified education loans for beneficiaries or even their siblings. This is limited to a $10,000 lifetime cap per eligible individual.

Continuing education

Many professionals—such as teachers, lawyers, engineers, accountants, financial planners, and doctors (among others)—are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their credentials. 529 plan assets can be used to cover any qualified continuing education coursework offered through an eligible institution with a Federal School Code. Keep in mind that in order for an adult professional to use a 529 plan to cover qualified continuing education costs, they must be the beneficiary of the plan. This may require a beneficiary change on all or a portion of the assets, if the 529 plan was originally held in their child’s name, for instance.

Rollover of unused funds to a Roth IRA

As a result of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, starting in 2024, remaining funds in a 529 account that has been open for at least 15 years will be eligible to be rolled over to a Roth individual retirement account (IRA) for the benefit of the beneficiary. This transfer will be subject to various rules, including, but not limited to, the regular annual IRA contribution limit, plus a $35,000 lifetime maximum.

Tax-free beneficiary transfer

As mentioned previously, 529s offer unlimited, tax-free beneficiary transfers of 529 assets to family members of the initial beneficiary. So, if you own a 529 account with leftover funds the beneficiary doesn’t need or want to use in other ways, you might consider transferring the account to an eligible beneficiary who will put the funds to positive and qualified use. Fortunately, the IRS’s definition of a family member is broad and offers you a lot of flexibility for unused funds.

The versatility of a 529 savings plan makes it an attractive option for those exploring beyond a traditional college path. By leveraging a 529 plan, individuals can invest in their nontraditional educational endeavors and unlock opportunities for professional growth.

Some of the benefits of using a 529 plan for non‑college paths include:

There are many benefits to saving in a 529 plan, and luckily, even if your child forges a path that doesn’t involve a four‑year college, there are options to ensure that you still make the most of those savings.

The way we learn continues to evolve, and fortunately, 529 plans do, too. With the benefit of up‑front tax incentives, flexibility, and tax‑free growth potential, 529 plans can enable you to invest in lifelong learning and career advancement opportunities for your loved ones.

Be sure to review any 529 college savings plan offered by your home state or your beneficiary’s home state, as there may be state tax or other state benefits, such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state’s plan. Please note that the plan’s disclosure document includes investment objectives, risks, fees, charges and expenses, and other information that you should read and consider carefully before investing.