This section of the site provides a state-by-state description of the various state section 529 plans. It includes all state prepaid tuition and college savings plans nationwide. Please visit each plan's web site for current information about fund expenses, minimum contributions and other information not summarized below.

See also the ratings page for ratings of all the section 529 college savings plans for state residents and non-residents and advice on selecting a 529 college savings plan. A separate page discusses state income tax benefits, which may include full or partial state income tax deductions for plan contributions.

The State 529 Plans

Currently all states offer either a prepaid tuition plan or a college savings plan or both.

Sixteen states offer both. These include:

One state offers just prepaid tuition plans:

Thirty-three states offer just college savings plans. These include:

Note that some of the states with savings plans, such as Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania include elements of prepaid tuition plans in their college savings plans by offering a guaranteed investment option.

Are Prepaid Tuition Plans Guaranteed?

During a recession, state prepaid tuition plans feel financial pressure from two directions. State income tax revenue declines during and shortly after a recession, forcing the state government to cut its budget. State support for higher education is one of the first budget areas to get cut. Since tuition is one of the few revenue sources under a public college's discretionary control, the colleges make up the difference by increasing tuition. This typically results in double-digit tuition inflation for public colleges. In addition, recessions are often accompanied by stock market losses. The combination puts pressure on the actuarial assumptions behind the state prepaid tuition plan.

Unless there is a future turnaround in the stock market, the prepaid tuition plans may not be able to fulfill all of their obligations to investors. It is not uncommon for the prepaid tuition plans to react by closing to new investors or by increasing the premiums over current tuition rates charged to new investors. Prepaid tuition plans in Colorado, Kentucky, West Virginia, South Carolina and Wisconsin are closed to new investors.

Because of the risk that a plan might not fulfill its obligations, it is important to consider whether the plan is backed by the full faith and credit of the state. Of the states with prepaid tuition plans, only Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Washington provide a guarantee. The Florida and South Carolina guarantees are limited, with the Florida guarantee limited to students within five years of enrollment in college and the South Carolina guarantee limited to a 4% return on investment.

State Section 529 Plans

Alabama Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (PACT) (Alabama)
This is Alabama's prepaid tuition plan. Children can be enrolled from infancy through the 9th grade. The contract pays four years of tuition and fees at any public college or university in Alabama. If the child decides to go to a private school or out-of-state, the contract pays the average cost of four-year public institutions in Alabama at that time or the actual tuition and fees, whichever is less. PACT benefits are exempt from state income taxes when used for qualified college expenses. The beneficiary does not need to be a state resident. For more information, contact:
Office of the State Treasurer/PACT
100 North Union Street, Suite 660
PO Box 302530
Montgomery, AL 36130-2530
Phone: 1-800-ALA-PACT (1-800-252-7228)
Fax: 1-334-242-7514
URL: www.treasury.state.al.us

Alabama HigherEducation 529 Fund (HE529 Fund) (Alabama)
This is Alabama's section 529 college savings plan. Earnings are federal and state tax deferred and qualified withdrawals are exempt from federal income tax but not state income tax. The fund may be used for tuition, room & board, books, fees, and required equipment at any accredited public or private college, trade or graduate school in the United States. The cumulative contribution limit is $300,000 (aggregate of aggregate of PACT and HE529 Fund contributions). The fund is managed by Van Kampen Investments. Van Kampen offers portfolios ranging from conservative to aggressive, as well as equity, bond, and short-term income portfolios. There is also an investment option that bases the asset allocation strategy on the number of years until matriculation using one of 5 time horizons. For more information, contact:
Alabama HigherEducation 529 Fund
State of Alabama - Office of the State Treasurer
State Capitol, Room S-106
PO Box 302510
Montgomery, AL 36130-2510
Phone: 1-866-529-ACCT (1-866-529-2228) or 1-334-242-7500
URL: www.treasury.state.al.us

University of Alaska College Savings Plan (Alaska)
This is Alaska's section 529 college savings plan. It supersedes the Alaska Advance College Tuition (ACT) program, a prepaid tuition plan. Nevertheless, the new plan has some elements of prepaid tuition programs. In addition to portfolios that adjust the asset allocation each year according to expected year of matriculation and static portfolios, there is also the ACT Portfolio. The ACT Portfolio is a balanced fund that locks in a tuition-value guarantee when used to pay for tuition at the University of Alaska. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal income tax. Alaska has no state income tax. The program is managed by T. Rowe Price. See also the T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan. The cumulative contribution limit is $320,000 per student. There are no state residency requirements, and the funds can be used for qualified expenses at colleges nationwide. For more information, contact:
UA College Savings Plan
T. Rowe Price
PO Box 17479
Baltimore, MD 21297-1479
Phone: 1-800-478-0003 or 1-866-277-1005 or 1-800-369-3641
Email: info@uacollegesavings.com or collegesavings@troweprice.com
URL: www.uacollegesavings.com

(For questions relating to previous ACT accounts, call 1-800-478-0003.)

John Hancock Freedom 529 (Alaska)
The John Hancock Freedom 529 plan is offered by the Education Trust of Alaska and is managed by T. Rowe Price. (See also T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan.) Investment options include years-to-enrollment portfolios and risk-based portfolios. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal income tax. Alaska has no state income tax. The cumulative contribution limit is $320,000 per student. There are no state residency requirements, and the funds can be used for qualified expenses at colleges nationwide. For more information, please contact:
John Hancock Freedom 529
P.O. Box 17603
Baltimore, MD 21297-1603
Phone: 1-866-222-7498
URL: www.johnhancockfreedom529.com

Arizona Family College Savings Program (Arizona)
This is Arizona's section 529 college savings program. It is overseen by the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) and managed by Fidelity. There is no federal or state income tax on withdrawals for qualified expenses. The cumulative contribution limit is 7 times the College Board's Independent College 500 Index, $304,000 (2007). For more information, call 1-800-544-1262. The Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education can be reached at 1-602-258-2435.

GIFT College Investing Plan (Arkansas)
The GIFT College Investing Plan is the Arkansas state section 529 college savings plan. Funds can be invested in portfolios based on the expected year of matriculation that adapt the asset allocation as college approaches. There are also fixed allocation funds, including growth, growth and income, balanced, and fixed income. The cumulative contribution limit is $245,000 per beneficiary. The program is managed by Upromise Investments Inc. and Vanguard. For more information, call 1-800-587-7301, write to GIFT College Investing Plan, PO Box 55387, Boston, MA 02205-5387, or send email to clientservice@thegiftplan.com.

Golden State Scholarshare Trust (California)
The Golden State Scholarshare College Savings Trust is California's section 529 college savings plan. It is exempt from federal and state income tax. The plan is managed by Fidelity Investments. It offers two age-based asset allocation options, six static porfolios (ranging from aggressive to conservative), a 100% equity option, and a social choice portfolio. The cumulative contribution limit is $300,000. For more information, call 1-800-544-5248 or visit www.scholarshare.com.

Colorado CollegeInvest (Colorado)
Colorado offers two section 529 plans, the Prepaid Tuition Fund (closed to new participants) and the Scholars Choice College Savings Program. Contributions to the plans are Colorado state income tax deductible and earnings are exempt from Federal and Colorado income taxes when used for higher education expenses. The funds can be used nationwide at public and private colleges, universities and vocational schools. The savings program offers age-based portfolios, years-to-enrollment portfolio, a balanced portfolio (50/50 split between stocks and bonds), an all equity portfolio, and a fixed income portfolio. The cumulative contribution limit is $280,000 per beneficiary. The programs are overseen by the Colorado Student Obligation Bond Authority (CSOBA). For more information, contact:
CollegeInvest
1801 Broadway, Suite 1300
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 1-800-448-2424
Fax: 1-303-296-4811
Email: general@collegeinvest.org or savings@collegeinvest.org
URL: www.prepaidtuition.org or www.collegeinvest.org

Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET) (Connecticut)
CHET is Connecticut's section 529 college savings program. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $300,000 per beneficiary. The program offers three investment options, including age-based investment portfolios, a principal plus interest option, and a high equity option. The funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board at colleges and universities nationwide. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Connecticut state income taxes. The program is managed by TIAA-CREF. For more information, contact:
CHET
PO Box 150499
Hartford, CT 06115-0499
Phone: 1-888-799-CHET (1-888-799-2438) or 1-860-566-2982
URL: www.aboutchet.com

Delaware College Investment Plan (Delaware)
The Delaware College Investment Plan is the section 529 college savings plan for Delaware. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $300,000 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Delaware state income tax. Investment options include an age-based portfolio and a customizable asset allocation among 11 funds. The plan is managed by Fidelity Investments. For more information, contact:
Fidelity Investments
College Plan Service Center
P.O. Box 770001
Cincinnati, OH 45277-0015
Phone: 1-800-544-1655
URL: www.fidelity.com/delaware

DC College Savings Plan (Washington, DC)
This is the section 529 college savings plan for the District of Columbia. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and DC income taxes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $260,000 per beneficiary. Investment options include stable value or GIC (guaranteed investment contract), fixed income, balanced, indexed equity, managed equities (small, mid and large cap), and an age-based portfolio (with 5 age-bands). The program is managed by Calvert Group, Ltd., a subsidiary of the Ameritas Acacia Companies. For more information, contact:
DC College Savings Plan
Calvert Group, Ltd.
Phone: 1-800-987-4859
E-mail: dc529@calvert.com
URL: www.dc529.com

Florida Prepaid College Tuition Program and College Investment Plan (Florida)
The Florida Prepaid College Plan is one of the most successful of the state prepaid tuition programs, with more than $3.4 billion in assets and an average annual return of 11%. Earnings are exempt from Federal and Florida state income tax. The child and/or his/her parents must be Florida residents when the plan is initially established. Accounts may be opened by anyone, not just Florida residents. Funds may be used at all 11 state universities and all 28 public community colleges. If the beneficiary attends a qualified out-of-state public or private college or a qualified in-state private college the plan will provide an amount equal to the current rates paid to a public university in Florida. The program is guaranteed by the state. Florida also offers the Florida College Investment Plan. This section 529 college savings plan has a cumulative contribution limit of $341,000 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Florida state income tax. Investment options include an age-based/years-to-enrollment portfolio, money market fund, a broad stock portfolio, a bond portfolio, and a balanced stock/bond portfolio. There are no sales charges or commissions, but there is a 0.75% annual management fee. For more information, contact:
The Florida Prepaid College Tuition Program
PO Box 6567
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6567
Phone: 1-800-552-GRAD (1-800-552-4723) or 1-850-488-8514
URL: www.fsba.state.fl.us/prepaid or www.floridaprepaidcollege.com

Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan (GHESP) (Georgia)
The Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan is Georgia's Section 529 College Savings Plan. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $235,000 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Georgia state income tax. Investing options include age-based, aggressive age-based, 100% equity, balanced fund, and guaranteed option portfolios. The guaranteed option portfolio guarantees both the principal and a minimum rate of return, plus the opportunity for additional returns beyond the minimum rate of return. The program is managed by TIAA-CREF. For more information, contact:
Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan
PO Box 105307
Atlanta, GA 30348-5307
Phone: 1-877-424-4377
URL: www.gacollegesavings.com

In addition, Georgia offers the Georgia HOPE Scholarship Program using the proceeds from the state lottery.

Hawaii TuitionEDGE Plan (Hawaii)
TuitionEDGE is Hawaii's section 529 college savings plan. Investment options include an age-based plan, three risk tolerance-based plans, and a savings account option. (The savings account option is FDIC insured.) Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Hawaii state income tax. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $305,000 per beneficiary. It is managed by Delaware Investment Advisors. For more information, contact:
Delaware Investments TuitionEDGE Plan
c/o Document Management Center
2005 Market Street
P.O. Box 7340
Philadelphia, PA 19101-7094
Phone: 1-866-529-EDGE (1-866-529-3343) or 1-808-643-4529
URL: www.tuitionedge.com or www.state.hi.us/budget/college/college.htm

Hawaii Residents may contact First Investment Center at First Hawaiian Bank, TuitionEDGE Plan, 98-1071 Moanalua Road, Aiea, HI 96701, or call 1-808-643-4529.

IDeal Idaho College Savings Plan (Idaho)
IDeal, The Idaho College Savings Plan is Idaho's Section 529 College Savings Plan. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $310,000 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Idaho state income tax. Investing options include age-based, aggressive age-based, 100% equity, balanced fund, and guaranteed option portfolios. The guaranteed option portfolio guarantees both the principal and a minimum rate of return, plus the opportunity for additional returns beyond the minimum rate of return. The program is managed by TIAA-CREF. For more information, contact:
Phone: 1-866-IDEAL-ED (1-866-433-2533)
URL: www.idsaves.org

College Illinois - 529 Prepaid Tuition Program (Illinois)
College Illinois is Illinois' section 529 prepaid tuition plan. It lets you prepay tomorrow's tuition and fees at today's prices. At Illinois public universities and community colleges it pays full in-state undergraduate tuition and fees. For private and out-of-state colleges, College Illinois pays the mean-weighted average of the tuition and fees charged by Illinois public universities and community colleges. Contributions are not currently deductible from Illinois state income taxes. For more information, contact:
College Illinois!
PO Box 19292
Springfield, IL 62794-9292
Phone: 1-877-877-3724
Fax: 1-217-785-6242
URL: www.collegeillinois.com

Illinois Bright Start Savings (Illinois)
Bright Start is Illinois' section 529 college savings plan. Contributions are deductible from Illinois state income taxes. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Illinois state income taxes. Investment options include age-based portfolios, age-based portfolios with bank deposits, equity portfolio, fixed income portfolio, fixed income portfolio with bank deposits, and principal protection income portfolio. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $235,000 per beneficiary. The program is managed by Salomon Smith Barney. For more information, contact:
Bright Start
PO Box 6241
Chicago, IL 60680-8736
Phone: 1-877-43-BRIGHT (1-877-432-7444)
URL: www.brightstartsavings.com

Illinois also has a College Savings Bond Program (phone 1-217-782-3500) of zero-coupon bonds, which are exempt from Federal and State Income Taxes. Purchases of up to $25,000 in bonds will not reduce eligibility for state education assistance and loan programs. The bonds pay $5,000 at maturity and are offered at various discounted rates, depending on the number of years until maturity. If the bond proceeds are applied toward higher education in Illinois, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission pays a bonus incentive grant of $20 for each year the bond is held to maturity if at least 70% of the bond proceeds are used to attend an Illinois college (e.g., ranging from $20 to $440 per bond). Bonds may be purchased through brokerage firms.

Indiana College Choice 529 Investment Plan (Indiana)
CollegeChoice is the Indiana section 529 college savings plan. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $298,770 per beneficiary. The plan is managed by JPMorgan Distribution Services Inc. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Indiana state income taxes. Account balances are not included as assets for Indiana state financial aid purposes. Investment options include an age-based portfolio, a growth portfolio, a growth and income portfolio, a balanced portfolio, a conservative growth portfolio, a money market portfolio, an equity index portfolio, and a bond portfolio. The plan is managed by One Group Dealer Services. For more information, contact:
CollegeChoice 529 Investment Plan
Mail Suite OH1-1235
1111 Polaris Parkway
Columbus, OH 43271-1235
Phone: 1-866-400-PLAN (1-866-400-7526)
URL: www.collegechoiceplan.com

College Savings Iowa (Iowa)
College Savings Iowa is the Iowa section 529 college savings plan. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $239,000 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Iowa state income taxes. Investment options include age-based portfolios, growth portfolios ranging from conservative to aggressive and an income portfolio. The plan is managed by Vanguard. College Savings Iowa has one of the lowest expense ratios of any section 529 plan. For more information, contact:
Treasurer of State
College Savings Iowa
Ola Babcock Miller Building
1112 East Grand, 3rd Floor West
Des Moines, IA 50319-0005
Phone: 1-888-672-9116
Fax: 1-515-281-6962
E-mail: csi@tos.state.ia.us
URL: www.collegesavingsiowa.com

Kansas Learning Quest Education Savings Program (Kansas)
Learning Quest is the section 529 college savings program for Kansas. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Kansas state income taxes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $235,000 per beneficiary. There are several investment options, including age-based portfolios that range from conservative to aggressive and static portfolios that invest in a variety of stocks, bonds and money markets. The program is managed by American Century. Kansas also offers a multi-managed product, the Schwab 529 College Savings Plan. For more information, contact:
Learning Quest
P.O. Box 29202
Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-9202
Phone: 1-800-579-2203 (1-877-882-6236 if you work with an investment advisor)
URL: www.learningquestsavings.com

Kentucky Educational Savings Plan Trust (KESPT) (Kentucky)
The Kentucky Educational Savings Plan Trust is Kentucky's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Kentucky state income taxes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $235,000 per beneficiary. Account balances are not included as assets for Kentucky state financial aid purposes. There are two investment options, an age-based portfolio and a 100% equity portfolio. The program is managed by TIAA-CREF and overseen by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. For more information, contact:
Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust
PO Box 8100
Boston, MA 02266-8100
Phone: 1-877-KY-TRUST (1-877-598-7878)
URL: www.kentuckytrust.org or www.kysaves.com

Kentucky's Affordable Prepaid Tuition Plan (KAPT) (Kentucky)
The Kentucky's Affordable Prepaid Tuition Plan is Kentucky's section 529 prepaid tuition plan. Earnings in a KAPT account are exempt from Federal and Kentucky state income taxes. The funds may be used at any accredited public or private college in the country. For more information, contact:
KAPT
PO Box 798
Frankfort, KY 40602-0798
Phone: 1-888-919-KAPT (1-888-919-5278)
Fax: 1-502-696-7496
URL: www.getkapt.com

Louisiana State Tuition Assistance and Revenue Trust (START) (Louisiana)
START is Louisiana's section 529 college savings program. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $218,535. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Louisiana state income taxes. The plan is managed by Vanguard. Either the account owner or the beneficiary must be a Louisiana resident when the account is opened. At a rate that varies according to the family's income, Louisiana will match the family's annual contributions to this college savings plan. For AGIs up to $30,000, the grant rate is 14%; 12% for up to $45,000; 9% for up to $60,000; 6% for up to $75,000; 4% for up to $100,000; and 2% for incomes above $100,000. For more information, contact:
START
PO Box 91271
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9271
Email: START@osfa.state.la.us
Phone: 1-800-259-5626 x1012 or 1-225-922-1012

Maine NextGen College Investment Plan (Maine)
NextGenis Maine's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Maine state income taxes. Investment options include age-based portfolios, a 100% equity portfolio, a 75% equity portfolio, and a fixed income portfolio. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $320,000 per beneficiary. The program is managed by Merrill Lynch and overseen by the Finance Authority of Maine. For more information, contact:
NextGen College Investing Plan
PO Box 1518
Pennington, NJ 08534-1518
Phone: 1-877-4-NEXT-GEN (1-877-463-9843)
URL: www.nextgenplan.com

College Savings Plans of Maryland (Maryland)

The Maryland Prepaid College Trust is the state's section 529 prepaid tuition plan. This let's you lock in tuition at today's prices. The prepaid tuition plan is usable at any college nationwide. If your child attends a private or out-of-state college, you will get the corresponding 2 or 4 year FTE-weighted average tuition at Maryland public colleges. Benefits under the program are exempt from Federal and Maryland state income tax.

The Maryland College Investment Plan is the state's section 529 college savings plan. It is managed by T.Rowe Price. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $250,000 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Maryland state income taxes. Investment options include year-of-enrollment-based portfolios and fixed portfolios including an equity portfolio, a total stock market index portfolio, a bond portfolio, and a balanced portfolio. The program is managed by T. Rowe Price.

For more information, contact:

College Savings Plans of Maryland
217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 1350
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 1-888-4MD-GRAD (1-888-463-4723)
URL: www.collegesavingsmd.org

Maryland Prepaid College Trust
217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 1350
Baltimore, MD 21202
Email: mpct@collegesavingsmd.org

Maryland College Investment Plan
PO Box 17479
Baltimore, MD 21297-1479
Email: info@collegesavingsmd.org

Massachusetts College Saving Plans, U.Plan and U.Fund (Massachusetts)

The U. Plan is the Massachusetts section 529 prepaid tuition plan. This prepaid tuition program allows parents of any state (or country!) to lock in tuition at today's rates at more than 80 participating Massachusetts public and private colleges and universities. U.Plan bonds are free from Federal and Massachusetts state income tax.

The U. Fund is the Massachusetts section 529 college savings plan. It is managed by Fidelity Investments. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $300,000 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Massachusetts state income tax. Investment options include an age-based portfolio and a customizable asset allocation among 11 funds. The program is managed by Fidelity Investments (1-800-544-2776).

For more information, contact:
MEFA
125 Summer Street, Suite 1450
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: 1-800-449-MEFA (1-800-449-6332) or 1-617-261-9760
Fax: 1-617-261-9765
Email: info@mefa.org
URL: www.mefa.org

Michigan Education Trust (MET) (Michigan)
The Michigan Education Trust, founded in 1986, was the first state prepaid tuition plan. It is Michigan's section 529 prepaid tuition plan. The plan provides for up to four years of tuition and fees at Michigan public colleges and universities. For more information, contact:
Michigan Education Trust
PO Box 30198
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 1-800-MET-4KID (1-800-638-4543)
URL: www.setwithmet.com

Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) (Michigan)

The Michigan Educational Savings Plan Trust is Michigan's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Michigan state income taxes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $235,000 per beneficiary. There are two investment options, an age-based portfolio and a 100% equity portfolio. The program is managed by TIAA-CREF

The MESP plan provides a matching grant of $1 for each $3 of contributions up to a maximum grant of $200 during the first year the beneficiary is enrolled in MESP, provided that the beneficiary is a Michigan resident age 6 years old or younger and resides in a household with a family income of $80,000 or less.

For more information, contact:
Michigan Education Savings Program
PO Box 30361
Lansing, MI 48909-7861
Phone: 1-877-861-MESP (1-877-861-6377)
URL: www.misaves.com

Minnesota College Savings Plan (Minnesota)
The Minnesota College Savings Plan is Minnesota's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Minnesota state income taxes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $235,000 per beneficiary. There are two investment options, an age-based portfolio and a 100% equity portfolio. The program is managed by TIAA-CREF and overseen by Minnesota Higher Education Services Office (MHESO).

The state of Minnesota provides a matching grant to eligible Minnesota resident families contributing at least $200 during the calendar year. Families with an income of $50,000 or less are eligible for a matching grant of up to 15% of their contributions, up to a maximum of $300. Families with incomes between $50,000 and $80,000 are eligible for a matching grant of up to 5% of their contributions, up to a maximum of $300. Families must apply for the grant by December 31 of each year; the application form is typically available by September 1.

For more information, contact:
Minnesota College Savings Plan
PO Box 64028
St. Paul, MN 55164-0028
Phone: 1-877-338-4646
URL: www.mnsaves.org

Mississippi Affordable College Savings (MACS) (Mississippi)
The Mississippi Affordable College Savings plan is Mississippi's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Mississippi state income taxes and contributions are deductible for Mississippi income tax purposes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $235,000 per beneficiary. There are two investment options, an age-based portfolio and a 100% equity portfolio. The program is managed by TIAA-CREF. For more information, contact:
Mississippi Affordable College Savings Program
PO Box 9037
Boston, MA 02205-8683
Phone: 1-800-486-3670
URL: www.collegesavingsms.org or www.treasury.state.ms.us/macs.htm

Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program (MPACT) (Mississippi)
The Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program is Mississippi's section 529 prepaid tuition program. Parents can invest in the MPACT program through lump sum and monthly payments. Benefits are transferable to other family members or can be used at private and out-of-state schools, with the amount based on the average tuition and mandatory fees in Mississippi public schools. Earnings from the program are exempt from state income tax and contributions are deductible for Mississippi income tax purposes. For more information, contact:
MPACT
Mississippi Treasury Department
501 N. West Street, Suite 1101A
PO Box 120
Jackson, MS 39205-0120
Phone: 1-800-987-4450 or 1-601-359-5255
Fax: 1-601-359-2001
URL: www.treasury.state.ms.us/mpact.htm

Missouri Savings for Tuition (MOST) (Missouri)
The MOST program is Missouri's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Missouri state income taxes and contributions are deductible for Missouri income tax purposes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $235,000 per beneficiary. There are three investment options, an age-based portfolio, a guaranteed option portfolio, and a 100% equity portfolio. The guaranteed option portfolio guarantees both the principal and a minimum rate of return (3%), plus the opportunity for additional returns beyond the minimum rate of return. The program is managed by Vanguard/Upromise and American Century Investments. For more information, contact:
MOST -- Missouri's 529 College Savings Plan
Upromise Processing Center
PO Box 55496
Boston, MA 02205-5496
Phone: 1-888-414-MOST (1-888-414-6678)
Email: most529@missourimost.org
URL: www.missourimost.org

Montana Family Education Savings Program (Montana)
The Montana Family Education Savings Program is Montana's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Montana state income taxes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $304,000 per beneficiary (i.e., seven times the most recently published value of the IC 500 index). The only investment option are CollegeSure CDs, which are FDIC insured up to $100,000. CDs can be purchased with maturities ranging from 1 to 25 years. The annual percentage yield is based on the College Board's Independent College 500 Index, an index of the average rate of increases in private college costs, less a 1% margin. The APY is guaranteed to be at least 3%. The program is managed by College Savings Bank. See also the Pacific Funds 529 College Savings Plan. For more information, contact:
Montana Family Education Savings Program
P.O. Box 1732
Helena, MT 59624
Phone 1-800-888-2723
Email: montana@collegesavings.com
URL: montana.collegesavings.com

College Savings Plan of Nebraska (Nebraska)
The College Savings Plan of Nebraska is Nebraska's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Nebraska state income taxes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $300,000 per beneficiary. Investment options include age-based portfolios and target portfolios ranging from 100% fixed income to 100% equity. One can also use investment advisors, such as TD Waterhouse. See also the AIM College Savings Plan. The program is managed by Union Bank & Trust. For more information, contact:
College Savings Plan of Nebraska
P.O. Box 82644
Lincoln, NE 68501-9542
Phone: 1-888-993-3746 or 1-877-408-4644 or 1-877-246-7526 (AIM Funds)
Email: info@planforcollegenow.com or info@tdw529plans.com
URL: www.planforcollegenow.com

Nevada Prepaid Tuition Program (Nevada)
The Nevada Prepaid Tuition Option is Nevada's section 529 prepaid tuition program. It allows you to lock in future tuition rates at current prices. The contract can be used at any accredited university, college, or community college in the nation. The plan pays in-state undergraduate tuition at any state community college or university in Nevada. If used to pay tuition costs at private or out-of-state colleges or universities, the plan will not pay more than would have been charged for in-state undergraduate tuition. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal income tax. Nevada has no state income tax. For more information, contact:
America's College Savings Plan
Office of the State Treasurer, Brian K. Krolicki
555 Washington Avenue, Suite 4600
Las Vegas, NV 89101-1074
Phone: 1-877-529-5295 or 1-702-486-2025 (Las Vegas Office)
Fax: 1-702-486-3246
Email: college@nevadatreasurer.com
URL: nevadatreasurer.com/prepaid

America's College Savings Plan (Nevada)
America's College Savings Plan is Nevada's section 529 college savings program. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $246,000 per beneficiary. Investment options include three fixed allocation options (conservative, moderate, and aggressive), an age-based option, and a prepaid tuition option. The savings can be used to pay for qualified higher education expenses at any accredited university, college, or community college in the nation. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal income tax. Nevada has no state income tax. The program is managed by Strong Capital Management, Inc. For more information, contact:
America's College Savings Plan
c/o Strong
PO Box 3152
Milwaukee, WI 53201
Phone: 1-877-529-5295 or 1-702-486-2025 (Las Vegas Office)
Fax: 1-702-486-3246
Email: college@nevadatreasurer.com
URL: www.americas529plan.com or www.strong529plan.com

New Hampshire College Tuition Savings Plan (New Hampshire)
The UNIQUE College Investing Plan is New Hampshire's section 529 college savings plan. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $300,000 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal income tax. New Hampshire has no state income tax. This program is exempt from the New Hampshire tax on interest and dividends. Investment options include an age-based portfolio and a customizable asset allocation among 11 funds. The plan is is managed by Fidelity Investments. For more information, contact:
UNIQUE College Investing Plan
c/o Fidelity Investments
College Plan Service Center
P.O. Box 770001
Cincinnati, OH 45277-0015
Phone: 1-800-544-1722
URL: www.fidelity.com/unique and http://www.state.nh.us/treasury/

New Jersey Better Educational Savings Trust (NJBEST) (New Jersey)
NJBEST is New Jersey's section 529 college savings plan. Either the account owner or the beneficiary must be a New Jersey resident when the account is opened. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $305,000 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and New Jersey state income tax. Investment options include an age-based portfolio. The funds can be used at any accredited two or four year college or university in the United States. If student decides to attend a New Jersey undergraduate school, the state will contribute an extra $500 to $1,500 to the account, depending on the number of years of contributions of at least $300 per year ($500 for four years, an extra $250 for every two years after that, up to the maximum $1,500 for twelve years). The first $25,000 in NJBEST savings is excluded from consideration in awarding the beneficiary New Jersey State need-based aid. The program is managed by the Division of Investment of the New Jersey Department of the Treasury. For more information, contact:
NJBEST
PO Box 4701
Trenton, NJ 08650-4701
Phone: 1-877-4NJBEST (1-877-465-2378)
Email: njbest@hesaa.org
URL: www.hesaa.org/njbest

The Education Plan of New Mexico (New Mexico)
The Education Plan offers a section 529 college savings program open to all US residents and a section 529 prepaid tuition program open to New Mexico residents only.
College Savings Program (CSP): There is a cumulative contribution limit of $294,000 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and New Mexico state income tax. Investment options include an age-based portfolio, risk-based portfolios (ranging from conservative to aggressive), and 100% equity, 100% bond, and 100% short-term yield portfolios. The program is managed by Schoolhouse Capital LLC, an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors.
Prepaid Tuition Program: The prepaid tuition plan covers up to the full amount of in-state undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees, locking in the costs at today's prices. The plan can also be used for private in-state colleges, out-of-state colleges, and graduate school. The plan is exempt from Federal and New Mexico state income tax. For more information, contact:
The Education Plan
PO Box 1997 GPO
New York, NY 10116-1997
Phone: 1-877-EDPLAN-8 (1-877-337-5268) or 1-800-499-7581
Email: planhelp@theedplaninfo.com
URL: www.theeducationplan.com or www.tepnm.com

Scholar's Edge 529 College Savings Plan (New Mexico)
Scholar's Edge is a section 529 college savings plan for New Mexico distributed by OppenheimerFunds Inc. and managed by Schoolhouse Capital, LCC, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $294,000 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and New Mexico state income tax. Investment options include 8 risk-based portfolios which are also used in the age-based option. See also the CollegeSense 529 Higher Education Savings Plan which is a similar plan distributed by New York Life and managed by Schoolhouse Capital, and the Arrive Education Savings Plan which is a similar plan distributed by Evergreen Investment Services Inc., Prudential Investment Management Services, LLC, and SunAmerica Capital Services. For more information, please contact:
Scholar's Edge
PO Box 1997 GPO
New York, NY 10116-1997
Phone: 1-866-529-SAVE (1-866-529-7283) or 1-866-529-SENSE (1-866-529-7367) or 1-877-ARRIVE8 (1-877-277-4838)
Email: planhelp@scholarsedge529info.com or planhelp@collegesenseinfo.com or planhelp@arrive529info.com
URL: www.scholarsedge529.com or www.collegesense.com or www.arrive529.com

New York College Savings Program (New York)
The New York College Savings Program is New York's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and New York state income taxes and contributions (up to $5,000 single filers, $10,000 joint filers) are deductible for New York income tax purposes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $235,000 per beneficiary. Money contributed to the plan will not affect eligibility for the New York Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other New York state student financial assistance programs. There are three investment options, an age-based portfolio, a guaranteed option portfolio, and a 100% equity portfolio. The guaranteed option portfolio guarantees both the principal and a minimum rate of return (3%), plus the opportunity for additional returns beyond the minimum rate of return. The program is managed by Vanguard in conjunction with Upromise and overseen by the Higher Education Services Corporation. For more information, contact:
New York's 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan
P.O. Box 55440
Boston, MA 02205
Phone: 1-877-NYSAVES (1-877-697-2837)
Email: NY529@nysaves.org
URL: www.nysaves.org

North Carolina National College Savings Program (North Carolina)
This replaces North Carolina's College Vision Fund as the North Carolina section 529 college savings program. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $341,562 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and North Carolina state income taxes. Either the account owner or the beneficiary must be a North Carolina resident when the account is opened. Investment options include an age-based portfolio, aggressive, balanced, and fixed income portfolios, as well as 22 Seligman portfolios. There is also a "protected stock fund" which guarantees the principal plus a minimum of 3% interest. (For the protected stock fund, a minimum of $1,000 must be invested for a five year period. At the end of the period the account receives the greater of 3% annualized interest or 70% of the change in the price component of the S&P 500 Index without taking dividends into account, whichever is greater.) The program is administered by the College Foundation of North Carolina. See also the Seligman CollegeHorizon Funds, an advisor sold version of the plan. For more information, contact:
National College Savings Program (NCSP)
PO Box 41930
Raleigh, NC 27629-1930
Phone: 1-800-600-3453
Email: cvfinfo@cfi-nc.org
URL: www.cfnc.org/savings or www.collegevisionfund.org

College SAVE 529 Plan (North Dakota)
College SAVE is North Dakota's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and North Dakota state income taxes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $269,000 per beneficiary. There are three age-based portfolios (ranging from conservative to aggressive), and two fixed allocation portfolios (aggressive or balanced) each of which may be either actively managed or an index fund. The program is managed by Vanguard and Upromise and established by the The Bank of North Dakota. For more information, contact:
College SAVE
Upromise Processing Center
PO Box 55573
Boston, MA 02205
Phone: 1-866-SAVE-529 (1-866-728-3529)
Email: clientservice@collegesave4u.com
URL: www.collegesave4u.com

Ohio College Advantage Savings Plan (Ohio)
College Advantage is Ohio's section 529 college savings plan. It includes elements of prepaid tuition programs through its Guaranteed Savings Fund, which keeps pace with tuition at Ohio public universities. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Ohio state income taxes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $306,000 per beneficiary. Investment options include an age-based portfolio, a balanced fund, a growth fund, and an aggressive growth fund. In addition, there is the Guaranteed Savings Fund, which permits the account owner to purchase tuition units, which are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the state of Ohio. Tuition units can be redeemed for 1% of the weighted average tuition at Ohio's 13 four-year public universities when redeemed (beneficiary must be age 18 or older). The funds may be used at any accredited college in the US for qualified higher education expenses. One can earn free prepaid tuition units through the Kroger Visa Card rewards program. The program is managed by Putnam Investments, Vanguard and Fifth Third Bank and administered by the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority (OTTA). For more information, contact:
College Advantage Savings Plan
580 S. High St. - Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43215-5644
Phone: 1-800-AFFORD-IT (1-800-233-6734) or 1-800-589-OTTA (6882) or 1-614-752-9400
Fax: 1-614-466-4486
Email: info@otta.state.oh.us
URL: www.collegeadvantage.com

Oklahoma College Savings Plan (Oklahoma)
The Oklahoma College Savings Plan is Oklahoma's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Oklahoma state income taxes and contributions (up to $2,500 per contributor per account) are deductible for Oklahoma income tax purposes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $300,000 per beneficiary. There are three investment options, an age-based portfolio, a guaranteed option portfolio, and a 100% equity portfolio. The guaranteed option portfolio guarantees both the principal and a minimum rate of return (3%), plus the opportunity for additional returns beyond the minimum rate of return. The program is managed by TIAA-CREF. For more information, contact:
Oklahoma College Savings Plan
PO Box 8193
Boston, MA 02266-8193
Phone: 1-877-OK4SAVING (1-877-654-7284)
URL: www.ok4saving.org and variations (ok4saving.com, ok4savings.org, okforsaving.org, etc.).

Oregon College Savings Plan (Oregon)
The Oregon College Savings Plan is Oregon's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Oregon state income taxes and contributions (up to $2,000 per year) are deductible for Oregon income tax purposes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $250,000 per beneficiary. Investment options include a years-to-college portfolio and 6 risk-based portfolios ranging from aggressive to conservative. The program is managed by Strong Capital Management, Inc. and US Bancorp Piper Jaffray and is overseen by the Oregon Qualified Tuition Savings Board. For more information, contact:
Oregon College Savings Plan
c/o Strong Investments
PO Box 3152
Milwaukee, WI 53201-3152
Phone: 1-86-OR-SAVINGS (1-866-772-8464) or 1-800-368-9844 (Strong Funds) or 1-866-529-1637 (MFS 529 Savings Plan)
URL: www.oregoncollegesavings.com

Pennsylvania 529 Direct Investment Plan (Pennsylvania)
Pennsylvania has a section 529 college savings plan (Investment Plan) and section 529 prepaid tuition plan (Guaranteed Savings Plan). The Investment Plan, also known as the 529 Direct Investment Plan, is managed by Vanguard and Upromise. Money in a Pennsylvania college savings plan account has no impact on eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $344,000 per beneficiary across both the Investment Plan and the Guaranteed Savings Plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania state income taxes. Up to $12,000 a year in contributions (to any state plan) are exempt from state income tax. (Married couples filing jointly may deduct up to $24,000 a year in contributions from their state income tax, provided that each spouse has taxable income in excess of their share of the joint contribution.) Investment options under the 529 Direct Investment Plan include three age-based portfolios (conservative, moderate and aggressive), and ten individual portfolios. The individual portfolios include three 100% stock funds, such as a total stock market index portfolio and a socially-responsible equity portfolio, two bond portfolios, one money market portfolios, and four risk-based portfolios (ranging from 80% stocks/20% bonds to 20% stocks/80% bonds). There is no annual account fee and very low management fees. The TAP 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan guarantees the account value to keep pace with increases in college tuition at Pennsylvania's public schools and the average rate of tuition increases at private colleges. (It is not, however, guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.) TAP allows Pennsylvania families to purchase future college tuition at today's prices for any of the 33 state-owned or state-related universities or community colleges. TAP credits can also be used, without penalty, at any private college in Pennsylvania or any other accredited college, university, trade or trade school in the US. (The new investment plan run by Vanguard and Upromise supercedes the old TAP 529 plan that was previously managed by Delaware Investments of Philadelphia. Delaware Investments continues to manage the adviser-sold plan.) For more information, contact:
Pennsylvania 529 Direct Investment Plan
Processing Center
PO Box 55378
Boston, MA 02205-5378
Phone: 1-800-294-6195
Email: service@pa529direct.com
URL: www.pa529direct.com or www.makecollegepossible.com

Rhode Island CollegeBoundfund (Rhode Island)
The College Bound Fund is Rhode Island's section 529 college savings plan. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $330,690 per beneficiary. Investment options include 2 age-based, and 3 risk-based (aggressive growth, growth, balanced), a principal-protection income portfolio, and 9 individual funds. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Rhode Island state income taxes. The program is managed by Alliance Capital. For more information, contact:
College Bound Fund
PO Box 786004
San Antonio, TX 78278-6004
Phone: 1-888-324-5057 or 1-800-251-0539 (Alliance Answer)
URL: www.collegeboundfund.com

South Carolina Tuition Prepayment Program (SCTPP) (South Carolina)
SCTPP is South Carolina's section 529 prepaid tuition plan. The program allows families to lock in tuition rates at any of South Carolina's 13 public colleges and universities at today's prices. The contract may also be used at private or out-of-state colleges, and pays the average amount paid by the program to South Carolina four-year public colleges and universities. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and South Carolina state income taxes, and contributions are fully deductible for South Carolina income tax purposes. For more information, contact:
SCTPP
Office of the State Treasurer
PO Box 11568
Columbia, SC 29211
Phone: 1-888-7SC-GRAD (1-888-772-4723) or 1-803-737-6880
Fax: 1-803-737-7472
URL: www.scgrad.org or www.scgrad.com

FUTUREScholar 529 College Savings Plan (South Carolina)
FUTUREScholar is South Carolina's section 529 college savings plan. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $250,000 per beneficiary. Investment options include an age-based portfolio and a years to enrollment portfolio, six allocation portfolios (including aggressive growth, growth, balanced growth, balanced, income and growth, and income), a single fund option (e.g., LargeCap Index or MidCap Index), and a stable value fund. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and South Carolina state income taxes, and contributions are fully deductible for South Carolina income tax purposes. The program is managed by Columbia Management. For more information, contact:
Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan
PO Box 8036
Boston, MA 02266-8036
Phone: 1-888-244-5674 or 1-800-765-2668
URL: www.futurescholar.org or www.futurescholar.com

College Access 529 Plan (South Dakota)
College Access 529 is South Dakota's section 529 college savings plan. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $325,000 per beneficiary. Investment options include age-based portfolios, five risk-based portfolios, and a variety of individual mutual funds. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal income tax. South Dakota has no state income tax. The program is managed by PIMCO Funds Distributors LLC. For more information, contact:
CollegeAccess 529 Plan
PIMCO Funds Distributors LLC
2187 Atlantic Street
Stamford, CT 06902
Phone: 1-866-529-PIMCO (1-866-529-7462)
Email: info-collegeaccess529@pimcofunds.com
URL: www.southdakota529.com or www.collegeaccess529.com

Tennessee BEST Prepaid Tuition Plan (Tennessee)
The BEST Prepaid Tuition Plan is Tennessee's section 529 prepaid tuition plan. It allows families to lock in future tuition at current prices by purchasing tuition units now to be used at a later date. BEST Units may be used at private and out-of-state universities and will be paid based on the current average enrollment-weighted undergraduate tuition at Tennessee's four-year public universities. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal income tax. Tennessee has no state income tax. This program is exempt from the Tennessee tax on interest and dividends. The program is also exempt from Tennessee county and municipal taxes. For more information, contact:
State of Tennessee Treasury Department
PO Box 198786
Nashville, TN 37219-8786
Phone: 1-888-486-BEST (1-888-486-2378) or 1-615-532-8056
Email: Best.Office@state.tn.us
URL: www.treasury.state.tn.us/best

Tennessee BEST Savings Plan (Tennessee)
The BEST Savings Plan is Tennessee's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal income tax. Tennessee has no state income tax. This program is exempt from the Tennessee tax on interest and dividends. The program is also exempt from Tennessee county and municipal taxes. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $235,000 per beneficiary. There are two investment options, an age-based portfolio and a 100% equity portfolio. The program is managed by TIAA-CREF. For more information, contact:
Tennessee's BEST Savings Plan
PO Box 305206
Nashville, TN 37230-5206
Phone: 1-888-486-BEST (1-888-486-2378) or 1-615-532-8056
URL: www.tnbest.com or www.tnbest.org

Texas Tomorrow Fund -- Guaranteed Tuition Plan (Texas)
The Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan (formerly the Texas Tomorrow Fund) is Texas's section 529 prepaid tuition plan. It is closed to new enrollment. It lets you lock in the cost of tomorrow's college tuition and required fees at today's prices. It is available for newborn children through the 12th grade of high school. The purchaser or beneficiary must be a Texas resident. For Texas public colleges and universities, the plan covers tuition and fees required of all students. For Texas private colleges and universities and out-of-state institutions, the plan pays actual costs up to the average cost of attendance amount under the Texas Plan. The plan is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the state of Texas. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal income tax. Texas has no state income tax. For more information, contact:
Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan
Comptroller of Public Accounts
PO Box 13407
Austin, TX 78711-3407
Phone: 1-800-445-GRAD (1-800-445-4723)
Fax: 1-512-475-0081
Email: texas.tomorrow@cpa.state.tx.us
URL: www.tgtp.org or www.texastomorrowfunds.org

Texas Tomorrow Fund -- Tomorrow's College Investment Plan (Texas)
The Texas Tomorrow's College Investment Plan is Texas's section 529 college savings plan. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $257,460 per beneficiary. Investment options include a set of age-based portfolios (which may also be used for a years-to-enrollment allocation), two static allocation portfolios (100% equity and 60% equity), and thirteen single-fund portfolios including a stable value portfolio, ranging from conservative to aggressive. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal income tax. Texas has no state income tax. The program is managed by Enterprise Capital Management. For more information, contact:
Texas Tomorrow's College Investment Plan
Enterprise Fund Distributors, Inc.
Atlanta Financial Center
3343 Peachtree Road, N.E., Suite 450
Atlanta, GA 30326-1022
Phone: 1-800-445-GRAD (1-800-445-4723)
Fax: 1-512-475-0081
URL: www.enterprise529.com or www.texastomorrowfunds.org

Utah Educational Savings Plan Trust (UESP) (Utah)
UESP is Utah's section 529 college savings program. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $319,000 per beneficiary. Investment options include two age-based portfolios (aggressive and conservative), a money market fund, and a 100% equity index fund. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Utah state income tax and contributions (up to $1,620 per year per beneficiary per taxpayer) are deductible for Utah income tax purposes. (One can alternately take a tax credit of $87 per beneficiary per taxpayer.) UESP also maintains an endowment fund, which is used to augment the earnings of UESP participants who select the most conservative investment option, the money market fund. The plan is managed by Vanguard. For more information, contact:
Utah Educational Savings Plan Trust
PO BOX 510423
Salt Lake City, Utah 84151-0423
Phone: 1-800-418-2551 or 1-801-321-7201
Fax: 1-801-321-7299
Email: uesp@utahsbr.edu
URL: www.uesp.org

Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan (Vermont)
The Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan is Vermont's section 529 college savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Vermont state income tax. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $240,100 per beneficiary. There are three investment options, an age-based portfolio, a 100% equity portfolio, and an interest income portfolio. The program is managed by TIAA-CREF. For more information, contact:
Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan
PO Box 8101
Boston, MA 02266-8101
Phone: 1-800-637-5860 or 1-802-655-9602
URL: services.vsac.org/ilwwcm/connect/VSAC/Save+for+College

Virginia College Savings Plan (Virginia)
Virginia offers both a state prepaid tuition plan and a state college savings plan.

The Virginia Prepaid Education Program (VPEP) is a section 529 prepaid tuition program that lets families lock in the current cost of tuition and fees at Virginia public colleges and universities. Students must be in the ninth grade or younger. The purchaser or beneficiary must be a Virginia resident. There are also contracts available for Virginia private and out-of-state schools, with a guaranteed rate of return.

The Virginia Education Savings Trust (VEST) is a section 529 college savings program offering a selection of 12 investment funds (8 age-based evolving asset allocation funds, 3 fixed allocation mutual funds ranging from conservative to aggressive and 1 money market fund). VEST may be used to pay for all major college expenses, including tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks, required computers and supplies. Funds may be used at colleges and universities nationwide. Students of all ages can participate and Virginia residency is not required. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $250,000 per beneficiary.

Virginia also offers CollegeAmerica (PDF), a section 529 college savings plan from American Funds. Students of all ages can participate and Virginia residency is not required. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $250,000 per beneficiary.

All three plans offer a Virginia state income tax deduction of up to $4,000 per account per year for the account owner (no cap for account owners age 70 and above). VEST and VPEP benefits do not affect eligibility for a Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant or other Virginia financial aid.

For more information, contact:
Virginia Prepaid Education Program
PO Box 607
Richmond, VA 23218-0607
Phone: 1-888-567-0540 or 1-800-253-0737 (TDD)
URL: www.virginia529.com or www.vpep.state.va.us

Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) (Washington)
The Guaranteed Education Tuition Program (GET) is Washington's section 529 prepaid tuition program. It is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the State of Washington. 100 GET units cover one academic year of tuition and required fees at the highest-price public college or university in Washington. GET units may be used at any public or private accredited postsecondary institution in the nation. If used for an out-of-state or private institution, GET will pay the equivalent of the undergraduate tuition cost at an in-state public institution. The beneficiary or the account owner must be a resident of Washington at the time of enrollment. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal income tax. Washington has no state income tax. For more information, contact:
GET
PO Box 84824
Seattle, WA 98124-6124
Phone: 1-800-955-2318 (1-888-837-7991 TDD)
URL: www.get.wa.gov

Smart529 College Savings Solution (West Virginia)
West Virginia offers both a state section 529 prepaid tuition plan and a state section 529 college savings plan.

The Prepaid Tuition Plan lets families lock in the current cost of tuition and fees at West Virginia public colleges and universities. Students must be in the ninth grade or younger. The purchaser or beneficiary must be a West Virginia resident at the time of application. The plan pays tuition and mandatory fees at West Virginia public colleges and universities. If used at a private or out-of-state education institution, the plan pays the average amount that would be paid to West Virginia public institutions. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and West Virginia state income tax.

The College Savings Option allows you a greater degree of control over the investments, offering both greater potential return and greater risk. Investment options include age-based portfolios and three static portfolios ranging from aggressive to conservative. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $265,620 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and West Virginia state income tax. The program is managed by Hartford Life Insurance Company.

For more information, contact:
Smart529
PO Box 5015
Hartford CT 06102-5015
Phone: 1-866-574-3542
Fax: 1-304-558-4177
URL: www.smart529.com

EdVest College Savings Program (Wisconsin)
EdVest is Wisconsin's section 529 college savings plan and section 529 prepaid tuition program. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $246,000 per beneficiary. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal and Wisconsin state income tax and contributions (up to $3,000 per year per beneficiary) are deductible for Wisconsin income tax purposes. Investment options include aged-based portfolios, an S&P 500 index fund, a bond fund portfolio, blended portfolios (ranging from aggressive to conservative), and a tuition unit option. The tuition unit option is priced to cover the estimated cost of tuition and fees at public or private Wisconsin colleges, and are invested in government and corporate bonds. The program is managed by Strong Capital Management, Inc. and is also available through American Express Financial Advisors as the Tomorrow's Scholar College Savings Plan. For more information, contact:
EdVest
PO Box 3152
Milwaukee, WI 53201-3152
Phone: 1-888-EDVESTWI (1-888-338-3789) or 1-866-677-6933 (Tomorrow's Scholar)
URL: www.edvest.com or www.tomorrowsscholar.com

College Invest Wyoming (Wyoming)
College Invest Wyoming is Wyoming's section 529 college savings plan. There is a cumulative contribution limit of $280,000 per beneficiary. Investment options include age-based portfolios and risk-adjusted portfolios (100% equity, 75% equity, balanced, and fixed-income). Qualified withdrawals are exempt from Federal income tax. Wyoming has no state income tax. The program is managed by Vanguard and Upromise. (Wyoming also has a state prepaid tuition plan, but that plan is closed to new participants.) For more information, contact:
College Plan Services
PO Box 1518
Pennington, NJ 08534-1518
Phone: 1-877-529-2655
URL: www.collegeinvestwyoming.org or treasurer.state.wy.us/collegeplan.asp

Other Information

Additional information about state section 529 plans may be obtained from the state aid agency web sites.