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Compare 529 Plans by Features
Plan
Program match on contributions
Alabama
There is no federal income tax on qualified withdrawals. For federal gift and estate tax purposes, contributions from third parties are generally considered completed gifts to the beneficiary. Contributions to an ABLE Account may also be eligible for the Saver's Credit under Section 25B(d)(1) of the IRS Code. Contributions are subject to the annual federal gift tax exclusion. There are no Alabama state income taxes due on investment earnings on qualified withdrawals.
Alaska
None, however the state offers a tuition-value guarantee for University of Alaska students invested in the University of Alaska Portfolio.
Dash to Save Incentive Program: A program designed to encourage new account holder/beneficiary relationships in the Alaska 529 education savings plan. The first 5,000 Alaska 529 account relationships established between January 1 and December 31, 2022 with a minimum investment of $25 will qualify for a $250 incentive.
Dash to Save More Incentive Program: A program designed to encourage certain contribution methods to new and existing Alaska 529 qualifying Account relationships. Qualifying Account Holder/Beneficiary relationships will receive up to $100 for certain recurring contributions between July and December of the calendar year.
The Aspiring Scholars Matching Grant Program program was discontinued as of January 1, 2017 and is no longer available to new account owners. Beginning in 2008, the program provided matching grants of up to $500 annually to eligible Arkansas families, based on household income level. Account owners with matching grant accounts may continue to access matching grant funds for qualified withdrawals until the funds have been exhausted.
The Matching Grant Program provides a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $500 in contributions for lower- to middle-income Colorado residents to accounts with an eligible beneficiary (a dependent under age 13 at the time of initial application). Applications are accepted each year between October 3 and December 29, 2023. The match can extend for a maximum five years. Matching grants for future years are subject to continued funding by the sponsor. In addition, First Step, a kickstarter savings program gives every child born or adopted in the State of Colorado, beginning on January 1, 2020, a $100 contribution to their CollegeInvest 529 college savings account. Offering more opportunities for Colorado families to save for college, CollegeInvest will also match a portion of their future contributions, up to $500 per year for five (5) consecutive years.
The Matching Grant Program provides a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $500 in contributions for lower- to middle-income Colorado residents to accounts with an eligible beneficiary (a dependent under age 13 at the time of initial application). Applications are accepted each year between October 3 and December 29, 2023. The match can extend for a maximum five years. Matching grants for future years are subject to continued funding by the sponsor. In addition, First Step, a kickstarter savings program gives every child born or adopted in the State of Colorado, beginning on January 1, 2020, a $100 contribution to their CollegeInvest 529 college savings account. Offering more opportunities for Colorado families to save for college, CollegeInvest will also match a portion of their future contributions, up to $500 per year for five (5) consecutive years.
The Matching Grant Program provides a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $500 in contributions for lower- to middle-income Colorado residents to accounts with an eligible beneficiary (a dependent under age 13 at the time of initial application). Applications are accepted each year between October 3 and December 29, 2023. The match can extend for a maximum five years. Matching grants for future years are subject to continued funding by the sponsor. In addition, First Step, a kickstarter savings program gives every child born or adopted in the State of Colorado, beginning on January 1, 2020, a $100 contribution to their CollegeInvest 529 college savings account. Offering more opportunities for Colorado families to save for college, CollegeInvest will also match a portion of their future contributions, up to $500 per year for five (5) consecutive years.
The Matching Grant Program provides a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $500 in contributions for lower- to middle-income Colorado residents to accounts with an eligible beneficiary (a dependent under age 13 at the time of initial application). Applications are accepted each year between October 3 and December 29, 2023. The match can extend for a maximum five years. Matching grants for future years are subject to continued funding by the sponsor. In addition, First Step, a kickstarter savings program gives every child born or adopted in the State of Colorado, beginning on January 1, 2020, a $100 contribution to their CollegeInvest 529 college savings account. Offering more opportunities for Colorado families to save for college, CollegeInvest will also match a portion of their future contributions, up to $500 per year for five (5) consecutive years.
CHET Advisor 529 College Savings Program
Connecticut
The CHET Baby Scholars program closed to new account owners as of July 1, 2021. CHET Advisor plan account owners who enrolled and meet the eligibility requirements of the Baby Scholars Program prior to July 1, 2021, are eligible for a one-time $100 contribution to families that open a 529 college savings account by an eligible child's first birthday or within the first year after an adoption. A beneficiary is eligible for only on $100 contribution regardless of the number of CHET 529 accounts opened. Families that save an additional $150 in the first four years will receive a state match of $150, for a total of $250 in state funds.
Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET)
Connecticut
The CHET Baby Scholars program provides a one-time $100 contribution to families that open a 529 college savings account by an eligible child's first birthday or within the first year after an adoption. A beneficiary is eligible for only one $100 contribution regardless of the number of CHET 529 accounts opened.
Delaware
None., The First Steps Program provides for a one-time $100.00 contribution to a DE529 Plan account registered in the name of an individual as participant and opened between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 for an eligible beneficiary. The First Steps Program has the following eligibility requirements: (i) the beneficiary of the applicable DE529 account must be five years of age or younger at the time of account opening, (ii) the beneficiary of the applicable DE529 account must be a Delaware resident at the time the applicable DE529 account is opened, and (iii) a minimum contribution of at least $100.00 must be made to the DE529 account by the participant at the time of account opening. The First Steps Program shall remain in effect July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and may be extended or discontinued at any time without notice. Contributions during this period will be deposited into eligible DE529 accounts in or around January 2023.
Illinois will automatically deposit a $50 seed deposit into a 529 college savings account for every child born or adopted in the state beginning in 2023.
The Kansas Investments Developing Scholars (K.I.D.S.) Matching Grant Program was developed for Kansas residents with incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level. The State of Kansas will match the first $600 that Account Owners contribute to a Learning Quest Advisor account for each beneficiary eligible year of eligibility. Applications are limited to 1200 per year and are processed on a first-come first-served basis. Applications and contributions must be received by December 31 each year.
Kansas
The Kansas Investments Developing Scholars (K.I.D.S.) Matching Grant Program was developed for Kansas residents with incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level. The State of Kansas will match the first $600 that Account Owners contribute to a Learning Quest Advisor account for each beneficiary eligible year of eligibility. Applications are limited to 1200 per year and are processed on a first-come first-served basis. Applications and contributions must be received by December 31 each year.
Louisiana
The state provides an earnings enhancement equal to 2% to 14% (depending on income) of a Louisiana participant's contributions when the account is used for qualifying expenses.
New Maine accounts may be eligible for a $100 Initial Matching Grant when the account is opened and funded with at least $25 before the last business day of the current calendar year. (One grant per eligible beneficiary, no income limitations) Separately, if a beneficiary is eligible for the $500 Alfond Grant, the initial contribution is waived when a NextGen account is opened. New accounts opened in the current calendar year and funded with $25 before the child's first birthday may also be eligible for the $100 Initial Matching Grant. The NextStep Matching Grant provides a 30% match on contributions up to a $300 grant per year (one grant per beneficiary, no income limitations) A $100 Automated Funding Grant is available for accounts that make six consecutive contributions, no less frequently than quarterly, through an automated funding option (one grant per beneficiary, no income limitations). Grants for Maine residents may be used on behalf of the beneficiary at an eligible institution of higher education only. Grants may lose value.
New Maine accounts may be eligible for a $100 Initial Matching Grant when the account is opened and funded with at least $25 before the last business day of the current calendar year. (One grant per eligible beneficiary, no income limitations) Separately, if a beneficiary is eligible for the $500 Alfond Grant, the initial contribution is waived when a NextGen account is opened. New accounts opened in the current calendar year and funded with $25 before the child's first birthday may also be eligible for the $100 Initial Matching Grant. The NextStep Matching Grant provides a 30% match on contributions up to a $300 grant per year (one grant per beneficiary, no income limitations) A $100 Automated Funding Grant is available for accounts that make six consecutive contributions, no less frequently than quarterly, through an automated funding option (one grant per beneficiary, no income limitations). Grants for Maine residents may be used on behalf of the beneficiary at an eligible institution of higher education only. Grants may lose value.
Maryland College Investment Plan
Maryland
The Save4College State Contribution Program is designed to help lower to middle-income families in Maryland save money for higher education. Individuals who open a Maryland College Investment Plan Account may be eligible to receive a $250 or $500 contribution from the state. The application period opens January 1. All applicants must submit their application for the Save4College State Contribution Program by 11:59 pm on May 31. Maryland 529 or the Maryland General Assembly may make changes to the State Contribution Program in the future that impact the contribution amounts, minimum requirements, or other eligibility requirements.
*State contributions are not guaranteed. The state funding for contributions is limited each fiscal year. As with the entire state budget, the Maryland General Assembly has final approval. If resources are insufficient to fully fund all eligible accounts, Maryland 529 shall provide contributions in the order in which applications are received in good order and give priority to applications of account holders who did not receive a state contribution in any prior year. Account holders who receive a State Contribution Program contribution in a given year are not eligible for the $2,500 deduction for any of their College Investment Plan Accounts that year. Individuals should check with a tax professional regarding their specific situation.
Massachusetts
BabySteps MA (formerly known as SeedMA Baby) is an expansion of the SeedMA initiative started in 2016. Beginning in January 2020, every baby born to or adopted by a Massachusetts resident is eligible for a free $50 seed deposit into a U.Fund 529 college savings account.
Michigan matching grants based on MESP contributions were discontinued for the 2009-2010 year. In prior years, a Michigan resident with adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less and a beneficiary under seven years old could apply for a one-time matching grant of $1 for every $3 contributed, up to a maximum $200 grant.
Minnesota College Savings Plan
Minnesota
Minnesota no longer offers a matching grant. For years prior to 2011, a 15% or 10% matching grant of up to $400 per year was available to Minnesota residents, subject to income limitations.
The MOST Matching Grant Program has been discontinued.
The Meadowlark Savings Pledge provides eligible Nebraska newborns with a NEST savings account for education expenses. Any baby born on or after January 1, 2020, who is a resident of Nebraska at the time of birth is eligible to receive a Meadowlark seed contribution of $50. Babies are enrolled in the program in the spring following their year of birth.
The Meadowlark Savings Pledge provides eligible Nebraska newborns with a NEST savings account for education expenses. Any baby born on or after January 1, 2020, who is a resident of Nebraska at the time of birth is eligible to receive a Meadowlark seed contribution of $50. Babies are enrolled in the program in the spring following their year of birth.
The Meadowlark Savings Pledge provides eligible Nebraska newborns with a NEST savings account for education expenses. Any baby born on or after January 1, 2020, who is a resident of Nebraska at the time of birth is eligible to receive a Meadowlark seed contribution of $50. Babies are enrolled in the program in the spring following their year of birth.
Nebraska
The Meadowlark Savings Pledge provides eligible Nebraska newborns with a NEST savings account for education expenses. Any baby born on or after January 1, 2020, who is a resident of Nebraska at the time of birth is eligible to receive a Meadowlark seed contribution of $50. Babies are enrolled in the program in the spring following their year of birth.
Nevada
The Silver State Matching Grant Program provides a maximum $300 annual matching contribution ($1,500 lifetime maximum) for each beneficiary from a Nevada family with prior-year AGI of $74,999 or less. The account owner must also be a Nevada resident. Applications are accepted each year from April 1 through July 31.
The USAA Distinguished Valor Matching Grant Program matches up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500 of contributions to this 529 plan with an annual maximum match of $300. The account owner or the beneficiary must be a Nevada resident at the time the grant application is submitted. Grant applicants may apply under two categories: 1) the account owner must serve currently on active duty in the U. S. military and have an adjusted gross household income of less than $95,000, and the beneficiary must be a child of the Account Owner and be under the age of 13, or 2) the account owner or the account owner's spouse must be the recipient of a Purple Heart in either Operation Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom (service beginning October 7, 2001 and ending August 31, 2010), and the beneficiary must be a child or the spouse of the Purple Heart recipient.
For accounts opened by a New Jersey resident on or after June 29, 2021, the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority provides a one-time grant of up to $750 in a dollar-for-dollar match of the account owner's initial deposit into the account, subject to income and program participation requirements. Visit HESAA.com for terms and conditions and how to apply. This program is subject to available funding.
New Jersey beneficiaries are also eligible for a one-time scholarship of up to $3,000 for one semester at any New Jersey college or university subject to minimum participation and contribution requirements.
NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan
New Jersey
For accounts opened by a New Jersey resident on or after June 29, 2021, the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority provides a one-time grant of up to $750 in a dollar-for-dollar match of the account owner's initial deposit into the account, subject to income and program participation requirements. Visit HESAA.com for terms and conditions and how to apply. This program is subject to available funding.
New Jersey beneficiaries are also eligible for a one-time scholarship of up to $3,000 for one semester at any New Jersey college or university subject to minimum participation and contribution requirements.
North Dakota
The BND Match Program provides a one-time match of contributions up to $300 per beneficiary for North Dakota participants and active duty military families with incomes below $80,000 (single) or $120,000 (joint). Contributions within 12 months of the account opening are eligible for the match. The beneficiary must be 15 years of age or younger. For participants with incomes below $60,000 (single) or $80,000 (joint), the match is available for an additional two years.
New Baby Match provides a North Dakota resident child 12 months or younger to be considered for a grant in the amount of $200. New Baby Match participants must enroll in CollegeSAVE and contribute $200 prior to the child's first birthday to qualify for the match.
Kindergarten Kickoff Match is a grant program that allows North Dakota children 5 or 6 years of age to be considered for a dollar for dollar match amount of up to $100. There are no family income restrictions.
North Dakota
The BND Match Program provides a one-time match of contributions up to $300 per beneficiary for North Dakota participants and active duty military families with incomes below $80,000 (single) or $120,000 (joint). Contributions within 12 months of the account opening are eligible for the match. The beneficiary must be 15 years of age or younger. For participants with incomes below $60,000 (single) or $80,000 (joint), the match is available for an additional two years.
New Baby Match provides a North Dakota resident child 12 months or younger to be considered for a grant in the amount of $200. New Baby Match participants must enroll in CollegeSAVE and contribute $200 prior to the child's first birthday to qualify for the match.
Kindergarten Kickoff Match is a grant program that allows North Dakota children 5 or 6 years of age to be considered for a dollar for dollar match amount of up to $100. There are no family income restrictions.
The Oregon Baby Grad Program will provide a one-time contribution of $25 to families that open an Oregon College Savings Plan account by their child's first birthday. The child must be an Oregon resident. Under the Kinder Grad incentive program, when an Oregon College Savings Plan account is opened for an Oregon kindergartener who doesn't already have an account, $25 will automatically be deposited to the account within three months. The Oregon Scholars program allows the Oregon College Savings Plan to partner with state colleges and universities to offer incentives to Oregonians saving for education. Partnering universities reward savings by offering additional cost savings when attending their schools.
Pennsylvania 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan
Pennsylvania
Match available for Pennsylvania low-income families (200% of the federal poverty level or 80% of the area median income) participating in the Family Savings Account Program offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Pennsylvania 529 Investment Plan
Pennsylvania
None., The Pennsylvania Treasury Department invests $100 for every child born in the Commonwealth via the Keystone Scholars program. Parents have until a child's first birthday to claim the $100 Keystone Baby Scholars investment by registering online or calling 1-800-440-4000.
CollegeBound 529 (Advisor-sold)
Rhode Island
Children born to or adopted by Rhode Island families are eligible for a $100 "CollegeBoundbaby" grant to be used for Qualified Expenses if the request is received by the Treasurer within one (1) year of their birth or adoption.
CollegeBound Saver (Direct-sold)
Rhode Island
Children born to or adopted by Rhode Island families are eligible for a $100 "CollegeBoundbaby" grant to be used for qualified expenses if the request is received by the Treasurer within one (1) year of their birth or adoption. As of June 30, 2022, CollegeBoundbaby will no longer accept applications for children born or adopted before July 1, 2021.
CollegeBound Starter is designed to help Rhode Island families get an early start at saving for their child's education. Starting July 1, 2021, every Rhode Island resident child born or adopted in Rhode Island is eligible to receive a one-time contribution of $100 to an account. An account is required to be open to deposit the contribution, but the account owner is not required to contribute any additional monies into the account to receive the contribution. Although multiple accounts may be established for a beneficiary, only one contribution may be awarded to each eligible child.
TNStars College Savings 529 Program
Tennessee
Under the Tennessee Investments Preparing Scholars Program (TIPS), eligible families can receive a matching contribution of $100 for a minimum $25 investment, or $500 for a minimum $125 investment. Beneficiaries can receive a maximum match of $500 per year with a $1,500 lifetime maximum benefit per beneficiary.
West Virginia
The SMART529 Bright Babies Program (effective 8/1/15) provides a one-time incentive contribution in the amount of $100 per designated beneficiary born or adopted on or after 1/1/15. The designated beneficiary must be a resident of West Virginia and the account must be opened within one year of the birth/adoption date.
The SMART529 Matching Grant Program (discontinued for new applications as of 8/31/15) provides matching grants to eligible West Virginia families in an amount up to $500 per designated beneficiary per year, up to a lifetime maximum of $2,500 per designated beneficiary, with a dollar for dollar match.
SMART529 WV Direct College Savings Plan
West Virginia
The SMART529 Bright Babies Program (effective 8/1/15) provides a one-time incentive contribution in the amount of $100 per designated beneficiary born or adopted on or after 1/1/15. The designated beneficiary must be a resident of West Virginia and the account must be opened within one year of the birth/adoption date.
The SMART529 Matching Grant Program (discontinued for new applications as of 8/31/15) provides matching grants to eligible West Virginia families in an amount up to $500 per designated beneficiary per year, up to a lifetime maximum of $2,500 per designated beneficiary, with a dollar for dollar match.
West Virginia
The SMART529 Bright Babies Program (effective 8/1/15) provides a one-time incentive contribution in the amount of $100 per designated beneficiary born or adopted on or after 1/1/15. The designated beneficiary must be a resident of West Virginia and the account must be opened within one year of the birth/adoption date.
The SMART529 Matching Grant Program (discontinued for new applications as of 8/31/15) provides matching grants to eligible West Virginia families in an amount up to $500 per designated beneficiary per year, up to a lifetime maximum of $2,500 per designated beneficiary, with a dollar for dollar match.