New York's direct-sold 529 college savings plan is available to residents of any state. It offers low fees and diverse investment options featuring Vanguard mutual funds. New York residents may enjoy a state tax deduction for contributions to the plan.
- Program typeSavings
- Inception1998, but substantially changed in November 2003
- State agencyOffice of the State Comptroller and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
- Tax deduction
- Program ManagerAscensus College Savings
- Program distributorVanguard Marketing Corporation
Investment Options
Investors in New York's 529 College Savings Program -- Direct Plan can select from the following investment options. Click on a portfolio name for more information.
Sometimes referred to as the enrollment-based option, this is an investment approach where your asset allocation is programmed to change over time. Accounts for young beneficiaries are invested aggressively and accounts for beneficiaries with college right around the corner are invested much more conservatively. In some 529 plans, the age-based option operates by automatically transferring your investment from one static portfolio to another at certain points in time. Others utilize lifecycle funds or employ lifecycle-type tactics within the portfolio containing your investment so that it is not necessary to transfer your investment between portfolios.
