College Savings Statistics

Report Highlights. American college students and their families pay 48% of college costs out-of-pocket, equivalent to $13,760 per student for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • 35% of families use a college savings fund (such as a tax-deductible 529 plan) to save an average of $6,844 each.
  • While over 16 million American families save for college using 529s, 54% of parents are unaware of the 529 program(s).
  • In 2023, families had $508.0 billion saved for college in 529 plans, making the average 529 account balance $30,295.
  • The average 529 account balance grew by $212.83 per month in 2024.
  • Parents’ income and savings pay for the largest share of college tuition (48%); the average student pays for 10% of their tuition out-of-pocket.

College savings statistics 7 on Education Data Initiative

Related research includes How People Pay for College | Average Cost of College | Best Online SAT Prep Courses | Average Time to Repay Student Loans | Economic Effects of Student Loan Debt | Student Loan Refinancing

529 Plan Statistics

Section 529 of the IRS tax code establishes and defines Qualified Tuition Programs (QTPs) as tax-deductible savings or prepaid tuition accounts. See 529 Plans by State for program data.

  • There were 16.8 million active 529 accounts in June of 2024.
  • Nationwide, 529 Plan savings totaled $508 billion in June 2024 for an average account balance of $30,295.
  • The average account balance in mid-2024 was 1.16% lower than the all-time high average balance of $30,652 in 2021.
  • From 2009 to 2024, the average account balance increased 129.7% (from $13,188) for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%.
  • 38% of parents were aware of 529 plans in 2019.
  • Alternatives to 529 plans include Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which are not tax-deductible (further restrictions apply).

College savings statistics on Education Data Initiative

College Savings Plan Statistics

Half of families with college students save money specifically for college; the average total savings goal is $55,342.

  • 53% of college-bound families have a strategy to pay for college; among them, 94.3% plan to pay at least a share of tuition out-of-pocket.
  • 30% of college-bound families plan how much of their income and savings parents will contribute.
  • 20% of college-bound families plan how much the student will contribute.
  • 21% of families have their students work and save income to attend college.
  • 15% of families use a financial advisor to develop a college spending budget.

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Saving vs. Borrowing for College

As students limit borrowing for college, parents have picked up most of the slack.

  • Among families who borrow to pay for college, the average student pays 10% of their tuition while their family pays for 22% of tuition costs.
  • Compared to families who borrow, families who do not borrow pay a 100% larger share of tuition from income and savings.
  • Parents in families who do not borrow pay a 110% higher share of tuition than those who do borrow.
  • Students from families who do not borrow pay a 10.0% lower share than those who do borrow.
  • Among students and families who don’t borrow to pay for college, students cover 9% of costs with their own income and savings; their parents pay for 56% of costs.

College savings statistics 2 on Education Data Initiative

College Savings Statistics by Institution Type

The type of school a student plans to attend may influence their saving strategy. 

  • At 4-year public universities, 41.4% of tuition comes from the income and savings of parents.
  • 53% of students at public, state-funded colleges use their savings to pay at least some of their tuition;
  • 70% have parents contribute at least some savings to tuition.
  • Students and families pay 32.6% of private university costs out-of-pocket.
  • At Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), students and parents pay 29% of costs out-of-pocket.
  • Compared to all 4-year public college attendees, HBCU students are 17.0% more likely to pay for school using their own income and savings.
  • Parents of HBCU students are 27.1% less likely to pay for college with savings compared to parents of all students attending 4-year public colleges.

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Other College Funding Statistics

Very few college students and their families pay all of their college expenses out-of-pocket.

  • Scholarships and grants cover 26.4% of costs while students and parents borrow to pay 20.2%.
  • In 2018, 22% of families planned to pay for college using life insurance.
  • 14% of families planned to pay for college by finishing off their mortgage and freeing their income towards college expenses.
  • 7% of families plan for their child to be employed with the college they attend.

College savings statistics 4 on Education Data Initiative

529 Plans by State

Most 529 plans are state-run, and each state has its own iteration of a QTP or 529 Plan (specialized savings and/or prepaid tuition). See our reports on 529 Tax Deductions and 529 Contribution Limits by state.

Jump to a state: AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY

State 529 Plans
State Total 529 Accounts Total Assets
Alabama 125,703 $2,883,449,066
Alaska 320,503 $10,530,747,489
Arkansas 52,925 $1,387,188,824
Arizona 111,104 $2,323,279,089
California 439,039 $15,580,888,342
Colorado 411,517 $12,246,255,350
Connecticut 206,379 $5,984,674,018
DC 41,120 $1,353,145,290
Delaware 25,146 $685,085,953
Florida 665,849 $13,838,746,411
Georgia 244,179 $5,711,643,773
Hawaii 5,901 $111,611,499
Idaho 50,646 $843,007,088
Illinois 652,723 $20,409,797,836
Indiana 441,074 $7,591,496,647
Iowa 307,856 $6,827,722,497
Kansas 353,531 $11,584,878,698
Kentucky’s 19,896 $278,974,403
Louisiana 82,899 $1,583,270,083
Maine 476,893 $14,477,561,503
Maryland 389,274 $10,932,408,063
Massachusetts 286,752 $9,748,889,176
Michigan 405,514 $10,556,726,853
Minnesota 98,891 $2,021,929,400
Mississippi 34,224 $602,682,507
Missouri 194,544 $4,315,222,525
Montana 13,646 $231,831,184
Nebraska 299,392 $7,025,366,897
Nevada 1,042,374 $44,478,716,903
New Hampshire 1,010,603 $26,741,422,870
New Jersey 263,352 $6,756,190,126
New Mexico 104,101 $2,346,362,052
New York 1,320,551 $51,065,505,875
North Carolina 187,155 $4,537,891,522
North Dakota 55,610 $635,176,150
Ohio 676,344 $17,713,299,892
Oklahoma 83,641 $1,638,163,502
Oregon 225,252 $5,121,179,949
Pennsylvania 286,062 $7,798,652,612
Rhode Island 157,027 $4,078,338,231
South Carolina 234,121 $6,596,309,806
South Dakota 20,786 $847,964,059
Tennessee 27,091 $365,987,653
Texas 99,481 $2,579,125,755
Utah 515,414 $23,960,837,406
Vermont 29,305 $673,512,564
Virginia 3,132,892 $105,011,515,517
Washington 90,816 $2,449,358,555
West Virginia 109,926 $3,051,315,440
Wisconsin 345,182 $7,792,107,063

Alabama 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Alaska 529 plans had 320,503 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Alaska 529 plans saved an average of $291.58 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Alaska 529 account had $32,857 saved as of July 2024, up 5.62% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $10.531 billion saved in Alaska 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is Alaska’s John Hancock Freedom 529, with $5.977 billion saved in 170,128 accounts.
  • Families who use Alaska’s T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan save the largest amount per account ($35,577).
Alabama 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Alabama Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (PACT) 5,576 $37,248
Alabama CollegeCounts 529 Fund ‐ Direct 53,378 $21,979
Alabama CollegeCounts 529 Fund ‐ Advisor 66,749 $22,511

Alaska 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Alaska 529 plans had 320,503 active accounts as of July 2024

  • Families with Alaska 529 plans saved an average of $291.58 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Alaska 529 account had $32,857 saved as of July 2024, up 5.62% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $10.531 billion saved in Alaska 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is Alaska’s John Hancock Freedom 529, with $5.977 billion saved in 170,128 accounts.
  • Families who use Alaska’s T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan save the largest amount per account ($35,577).
Alaska 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
John Hancock Freedom 529 171,338 $33,173
Alaska 529 43,916 $16,819
T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan 105,667 $33,696

Arkansas 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Arkansas 529 plans had 52,925 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Arkansas 529 plans saved an average of $197.53 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Arkansas 529 account had $26,210 saved at the end of 2023, up 4.74% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $1.387 billion saved in Arkansas 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Direct, with $632 million saved in 35,590 accounts.
  • Families who use the Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Advisor plan save the largest amount per account ($43,538).
Arkansas 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Advisor 17,335 $43,538
Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Direct 35,590 $17,770

Arizona 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Arizona 529 plans had 111,104 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Arizona 529 plans saved an average of $180.81 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Arizona 529 account had $20,911 saved as of July 2024, up 5.47% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $2.323 billion saved in Arizona 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is The Fidelity Arizona College Savings Plan, with $1.610 billion saved in 79,494 accounts.
  • Families who use the Arizona Goldman Sachs 529 Plan save the largest amount per account ($22,808).
Arizona 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Arizona Family College Savings Program 540 $7,666
Arizona Goldman Sachs 529 Plan 31,070 $22,808
The Fidelity Arizona College Savings Plan 79,494 $20,259

California 529 Plan Statistics

Families with California 529 plans had 439,039 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with California 529 plans saved an average of $225.82 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average California 529 account had $35,489 saved as of July 2024, up 3.97% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $15.580 billion saved in California 529s as of July 2024.
California 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
ScholarShare College Savings Plan 439,039

$35,489

Colorado 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Colorado 529 plans had 411,517 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Colorado 529 plans saved an average of $253.18 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Colorado 529 account had $29,759 saved as of July 2024, up 5.38% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $12.246 billion saved in Colorado 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the CollegeInvest Direct Portfolio College Savings Plan, with $6.828 billion saved in 211,523 accounts.
  • Families who use the CollegeInvest Direct plan save the largest amount per account ($32,279).
Colorado 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
CollegeInvest Direct Portfolio College Savings Plan 211,523 $32,279
Smart Choice College Savings Plan 15,943 $5,930
Stable Value Plus College Savings Plan 14,635 $8,562
Scholars Choice® College Savings Program 169,416 $30,686

Connecticut 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Connecticut 529 plans had 206,379 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Connecticut 529 plans saved an average of $293.96 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Connecticut 529 account had $28,998 saved as of July 2024, up 6.48% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $5.985 billion saved in Connecticut 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET), with $4.986 billion saved in 172,125 accounts.
  • Families who use the CHET plan save the largest amount per account ($29,145).
Connecticut 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Connecticut Higher Education Trust 172,125 $28,969
Connecticut Higher Education Trust Advisor 34,254 $29,145

Delaware 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Delaware 529 plans had 25,146 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Delaware 529 plans saved an average of $109.38 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Delaware 529 account had $27,244 saved as of July 2024, up 2.47% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $655 million saved in Delaware 529s as of July 2024.
Delaware 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
The Delaware College Investment Plan 25,146 $27,244

District of Columbia 529 Plan Statistics

Families with DC 529 plans had 41,120 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with DC 529 plans saved an average of $400.61 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average DC 529 account had $32,907 saved as of July 2024, up 7.88% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $1.353 billion saved in DC 529s as of July 2024.
DC 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
DC College Savings Plan 41,120 $32,907

Florida 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Florida 529 plans had 665,849 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Florida 529 plans withdrew an average of $345.43 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Florida 529 account had $20,784 saved as of July 2024, down 9.07% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $13.838 billion saved in Florida 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Florida Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program, with $12.413 billion saved in 535,791 accounts.
  • Families who use the Stanley G. Tate plan save the largest amount per account ($23,168).
Florida 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program 535,791 $23,168
Florida 529 Savings Plan 130,058 $10,962

Georgia 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Georgia 529 plans had 244,179 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Georgia 529 plans saved an average of $214.55 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Georgia 529 account had $23,391 saved as of July 2024, up 5.82% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $5.712 billion saved in Georgia 529s as of July 2024.
Georgia 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Georgia Path2College 529 Plan 244,179 $23,391

Hawaii 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Hawaii 529 plans had 5,901 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Hawaii 529 plans saved an average of $103.62 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Hawaii 529 account had $18,914 saved as of July 2024, up 3.40% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $112 million saved in Hawaii 529s as of July 2024.
Hawaii 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
HI529 ‐ Hawaii’s College Savings Program 5,901 $18,914

Idaho 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Idaho 529 plans had 50,646 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Idaho 529 plans saved an average of $125.18 per month per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Idaho 529 account had $16,645 saved as of July 2024, up 4.73% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $844 million saved in Idaho 529s as of July 2024.
Idaho 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
IDeal Idaho College Savings Program 50,646 $16,645

Illinois 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Illinois 529 plans had 652,723 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Illinois 529 plans saved an average of $312.09 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Illinois 529 account had $31,269 saved as of July 2024, up 6.37% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $20.410 billion saved in Illinois 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is Illinois Bright Start, with $12.139 billion saved in 359,976 accounts.
  • Families who use the Illinois Bright Start Program save the largest amount per account ($33,721).
Illinois 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
College Illinois! Prepaid Tuition Program 15,702 $31,302
Illinois Bright Directions 277,045 $28,080
Illinois Bright Start 359,976 $33,721

Indiana 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Indiana 529 plans had 441,074 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Indiana 529 plans saved an average of $174.22 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Indiana 529 account had $17,211 saved as of July 2024, up 6.47% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $7.591 billion saved in Indiana 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Indiana CollegeChoice 529 Direct Savings Plan, with $4.598 billion saved in 262,528 accounts.
  • Families who use the Indiana CollegeChoice 529 Direct Savings Plan save the largest amount per account ($17,513).
Indiana 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Indiana CollegeChoice Advisor 529 Savings Plan 176,801 $16,818
Indiana CollegeChoice 529 Direct Savings Plan 262,528 $17,513
Indiana CollegeChoice CD 1,745 $11,679

Iowa 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Iowa 529 plans had 307,856 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Iowa 529 plans saved an average of $184.70 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Iowa 529 account had $22,178 saved as of July 2024, up 5.26% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $6.828 billion saved in Iowa 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is College Savings Iowa, with $6.139 billion saved in 270,043 accounts.
  • Families who use the College Savings Iowa plan save the largest amount per account ($22,733).
Iowa 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
College Savings Iowa 270,043 $22,733
Iowa Advisor 529 Plan 37,813 $18,215

Kansas 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Kansas 529 plans had 353,531 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Kansas 529 plans saved an average of $206.26 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Kansas 529 account had $32,769 saved as of July 2024, up 3.92% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $11.585 billion saved in Kansas 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the ACISchwab 529 College Savings Plan, with $9.213 billion saved in 254,739 accounts.
  • Families who use the Schwab Learning Quest 529 Plan save the largest amount per account ($48,554).
Kansas 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
ACI ‐ Schwab 529 College Savings Plan 254,739 $36,167
Schwab Learning Quest 529 Plan 5,621 $48,554
Learning Quest Education Savings Program 79,119 $22,871
Learning Quest Advisor 14,052 $20,592

Kentucky 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Kentucky 529 plans had 19,896 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Kentucky 529 plans saved an average of $80.81 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Kentucky 529 account had $14,022 saved as of July 2024, up 3.58% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $279 million saved in Kentucky 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the KY Saves 529, with $279 million saved in 18,270 accounts.
Kentucky 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Kentucky’s Affordable Prepaid Tuition 1,626 $221*
KY Saves 529 18,270 $15,250

*Data from 3/31/2024

Louisiana 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Louisiana 529 plans had 82,899 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Louisiana 529 plans saved an average of $154.38 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Louisiana 529 account had $19,099 saved as of July 2024, up 5.10% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $1.583 billion saved in Louisiana 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the START Savings Program, with $1.552 billion saved in 79,015 accounts.
Louisiana 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
START Savings Program 79,015 $19,637
START K-12 Savings Program 3,884 $8,150

Maine 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Maine 529 plans had 476,893 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Maine 529 plans saved an average of $264.02 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Maine 529 account had $30,358 saved as of July 2024, up 5.51% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $14.448 billion saved in Maine 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Direct NextGen College Investing Plan, with $3.586 billion saved in 240,723 accounts.
Maine 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
NextGen College Investing Plan ‐ Select 236,170 $46,118
NextGen College Investing Plan ‐ Direct 240,723 $14,896

Maryland 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Maryland 529 plans had 389,274 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Maryland 529 plans saved an average of $235.29 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Maryland 529 account had $28,084 saved as of July 2024, up 5.29% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $10.932 billion saved in Maryland 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Maryland College Investment Plan, with $9.868 billion saved in 364,134 accounts.
  • Families who use the Maryland Prepaid College Trust plan save the largest amount per account ($42,342).
Maryland 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Maryland College Investment Plan 364,134 $27,100
Maryland Prepaid College Trust 25,140 $42,342

Massachusetts 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Massachusetts 529 plans had 286,752 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Massachusetts 529 plans saved an average of $262.46 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Massachusetts 529 account had $33,998 saved as of July 2024, up 4.86% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $9.749 billion saved in Massachusetts 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is The U.Fund  College Investing Plan, with $9.660 billion saved in 280,951 accounts.
Massachusetts 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Massachusetts The U.Fund College Investing Plan 280,951 $34,386
Massachusetts U.Plan 5,801 $15,182

Michigan 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Michigan 529 plans had 405,514 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Michigan 529 plans saved an average of $207.72 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Michigan 529 account had $26,033 saved as of July 2024, up 5.03% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $10.557 billion saved in Michigan 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Michigan Education Savings Program, with $8.218 billion saved in 316,658 accounts.
  • Families who use the Michigan Education Trust (MET) plan save the largest amount per account ($35,933).
Michigan 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Michigan Education Savings Program 316,658 $25,952
Michigan 529 Advisor Plan 57,295 $21,027
Michigan Education Trust (MET) 31,561 $35,933

Minnesota 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Minnesota 529 plans had 98,891 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Minnesota 529 plans saved an average of $98.66 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Minnesota 529 account had $20,446 saved as of July 2024, up 2.98% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $2.022 billion saved in Minnesota 529s as of July 2024.
Minnesota 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Minnesota College Savings Plan 98,891 $20,446

Mississippi 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Mississippi 529 plans had 29,292 active 529 accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Mississippi 529 plans saved an average of $45.64 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Mississippi 529 account had $20,575 saved as of July 2024, up 1.35% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $603 million saved in Mississippi 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is Mississippi Affordable College Savings, with $314 million saved in 17,112 accounts.
  • Families who use the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program save the largest amount per account ($23,695).
Mississippi 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Mississippi Affordable College Savings 17,112 $18,354
Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program 12,180 $23,695

Missouri 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Missouri 529 plans had 194,544 active 529 accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Missouri 529 plans saved an average of $182.89 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Missouri 529 account had $22,181 saved as of July 2024, up 5.20% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $4.315 billion saved in Missouri 529s as of July 2024.
Missouri 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Missouri Saving for Tuition (MOST) 194,544 $22,181

Montana 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Montana 529 plans had 13,646 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Montana 529 plans saved an average of $125.20 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Montana 529 account had $16,989 saved as of July 2024, up 4.63% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $232 million saved in Montana 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is Achieve Montana, with $211 million saved in 11,901 accounts.
  • Families who use the Achieve plan save the largest amount per account ($17,767).
Montana 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Montana Family Education Savings Program ‐ Bank Plan 1,745 $11,679
Achieve Montana 11,901 $17,767

Nebraska 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Nebraska 529 plans had 299,392 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Nebraska 529 plans saved an average of $196.49 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Nebraska 529 account had $23,465 saved as of July 2024, up 5.29% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $7.025 billion saved in Nebraska 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Nebraska Educational Savings Plan Trust – Direct, with $2.674 billion saved in 94,682 accounts.
  • Families who use the Bloomwell 529 Education Savings Plan save the largest amount per account ($30,509).
Nebraska 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Nebraska Educational Savings Plan Trust ‐ Direct 94,682 $28,238
Nebraska Educational Savings Plan Trust ‐ Advisor 79,032 $18,313
Bloomwell 529 Education Savings Plan 71,804 $30,509
State Farm 529 Plan 53,874 $13,249

Nevada 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Nevada 529 plans had 1.042 million active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Nevada 529 plans saved an average of $487.65 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Nevada 529 account had $42,671 saved as of July 2024, up 7.36% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $44.479 billion saved in Nevada 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Nevada Vanguard 529 Plan, with $35.744 billion saved in 597,425 accounts.
  • Families who use the Vanguard 529 save the largest amount per account ($59,830).
Nevada 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Putnam 529 for America 15,859 $29,723
USAA College Savings Plan 296,261 $19,535
SSgA Upromise 529 Plan 99,235 $13,711
The Vanguard 529 Plan 597,425 $59,830
Wealthfront’s College Savings Program 23,041 $29,273
Nevada Prepaid Tuition Program 10,553 $41,789

New Hampshire 529 Plan Statistics

Families with New Hampshire 529 plans had 1.011 million active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with New Hampshire 529 plans saved an average of $169.00 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average New Hampshire 529 account had $26,461 saved as of July 2024, up 3.98% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $26.741 billion saved in New Hampshire 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the New Hampshire UNIQUE College Investing Plan, with $21.485 billion saved in 852,319 accounts.
  • Families who use the New Hampshire Fidelity Advisor 529 Plan save the largest amount per account ($33,206).
New Hampshire 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Fidelity Advisor 529 Plan 158,284 $33,206
UNIQUE College Investing Plan 852,319 $25,208

New Jersey 529 Plan Statistics

Families with New Jersey 529 plans had 263,352 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with New Jersey 529 plans saved an average of $258.53 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average New Jersey 529 account had $25,655 saved as of July 2024, up 6.44% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $6.756 billion saved in New Jersey 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the New Jersey Franklin Templeton 529, with $4.896 billion saved in 192,266 accounts.
  • Families who use the New NJ BEST 529 College Savings Plans save the largest amount per account ($26,169).
New Jersey 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Franklin Templeton 529 192,266 $25,465
NJ BEST 529 College Savings Plans 71,086 $26,169

New Mexico 529 Plan Statistics

Families with New Mexico 529 plans had 104,101 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with New Mexico 529 plans saved an average of $138.36 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average New Mexico 529 account had $22,539 saved as of July 2024, up 3.82% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $2.346 billion saved in New Mexico 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the New Mexico Scholar’s Edge plan, with $1.651 billion saved in 74,135 accounts.
  • Families who use the New Mexico The Education Plan save the largest amount per account ($23,214).
New Mexico 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
New Mexico Scholar’s Edge 74,135 $22,267
New Mexico The Education Plan 29,966 $23,214

New York 529 Plan Statistics

Families with New York 529 plans had 1.321 million active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with New York families with 529 plans saved an average of $434.44 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average New York 529 account had $38,670 saved as of July 2024, up 7.23% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $51.066 billion saved in New York 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan, with $38,974 billion saved in 1.078 million accounts.
New York 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan 1,078,483 $38,974
New York’s 529 Advisor Guided College Savings Program 242,068 $37,317

North Carolina 529 Plan Statistics

Families with North Carolina 529 plans had 187,155 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with North Carolina 529 plans saved an average of $262.16 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average North Carolina 529 account had $24,247 saved as of July 2024, up 6.94% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $4.538 billion saved in North Carolina 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is North Carolina’s National College Savings Program, with $3.647 billion saved in 168,243 accounts.
  • Families who use the North Carolina / Morgan Stanley National Advisory 529 Plan save the largest amount per account ($47,117).
North Carolina 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
North Carolina’s National College Savings Program 168,243 $21,676
North Carolina / Morgan Stanley National Advisory 529 Plan 18,912 $47,117

North Dakota 529 Plan Statistics

Families with North Dakota 529 plans had 55,610 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with North Dakota 529 plans saved an average of $51.53 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average North Dakota 529 account had $11,422 saved as of July 2024, up 2.78% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $635 million saved in North Dakota 529s as of July 2024.
North Dakota 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
North Dakota: College SAVE 55,610 $11,422

Ohio 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Ohio 529 plans had 676,344 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Ohio 529 plans saved an average of $298.77 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Ohio 529 account had $26,190 saved as of July 2024, up 7.35% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $17.713 billion saved in Ohio 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Ohio CollegeAdvantage Direct Plan, with $10.838 billion saved in 401,965 accounts.
  • Families who use CollegeAdvantage Direct save the largest amount per account ($26,963).
Ohio 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Ohio CollegeAdvantage Guaranteed 529 Savings Plan 5,346 $25,315
Ohio CollegeAdvantage Direct Plan 401,965 $26,963
Ohio CollegeAdvantage Advisor 529 Savings Plan 269,033 $25,052

Oklahoma 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Oklahoma 529 plans had 83,641 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Oklahoma 529 plans saved an average of $170.88 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Oklahoma 529 account had $19,586 saved as of July 2024, up 5.52% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $1.638 billion saved in Oklahoma 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Oklahoma College Savings Plan, with $1.363 billion saved in 70,180 accounts.
  • Families who use the OklahomaDream 529 Plan save the largest amount per account ($20,427).
Oklahoma 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 12/31/2023
Oklahoma College Savings Plan 70,180 $19,424
OklahomaDream 529 Plan 13,461 $20,427

Oregon 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Oregon 529 plans had 225,252 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Oregon 529 plans saved an average of $188.84 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Oregon 529 account had $22,735 saved as of July 2024, up 5.25% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $5.121 billion saved in Oregon 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Oregon College Savings Plan, with $3.219 billion saved in 141,250 accounts.
  • Families who use the Oregon Savings Plan save the largest amount per account ($22,790).
Oregon 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Oregon College Savings Plan 141,250 $22,790
Oregon MFS 529 SAVINGS PLAN 84,002 $22,643

Pennsylvania 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Pennsylvania 529 plans had 286,062 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Pennsylvania 529 plans saved an average of $224.44 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Pennsylvania 529 account had $27,262 saved as of July 2024, up 5.20% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $7.799 billion saved in Pennsylvania 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Pennsylvania 529 Investment Plan, with $5.401 billion saved in 175,933 accounts.
  • Families who use the 529 Investment Plan save the largest amount per account ($30,699).
Pennsylvania 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Pennsylvania 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan 110,129 $21,772
Pennsylvania 529 Investment Plan 175,933 $30,699

Rhode Island 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Rhode Island 529 plans had 157,027 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Rhode Island 529 plans saved an average of $124.86 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Rhode Island 529 account had in the first half of 2024 saved as of July 2024, up 2.97% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $4.078 billion saved in Rhode Island 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Rhode Island CollegeBound 529, with $3.641 billion saved in 133,278 accounts.
  • Families who use the RI CollegeBound 529 save the largest amount per account ($27,315).
Rhode Island 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Rhode Island CollegeBound 529 133,278 $27,315
Rhode Island CollegeBound Saver 23,749 $18,435

South Carolina 529 Plan Statistics

Families with South Carolina 529 plans had 234,121 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with South Carolina families with 529 plans saved an average of $255.84 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average South Carolina 529 account had $28,175 saved as of July 2024, up 5.76% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $6.596 billion saved in South Carolina 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is South Carolina Future Scholars ‐ Advisor, with $3.989 billion saved in 134,645 accounts.
  • Families who use the Future Scholars – Advisor plan save the largest amount per account ($29,624).
South Carolina 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
South Carolina Tuition Prepaid Program 1,399 $18,295
South Carolina Future Scholars ‐ Advisor 134,645 $29,624
South Carolina Future Scholars ‐ Direct 98,077 $26,327

South Dakota 529 Plan Statistics

Families with South Dakota 529 plans had 20,786 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with South Dakota 529 plans saved an average of $357.81 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average South Dakota 529 account had $40,795 saved as of July 2024, up 5.55% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $848 million saved in South Dakota 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is South Dakota CollegeAccess 529 Plan ‐ Advisor, with $813 million saved in 19,100 accounts.
  • Families who use the CollegeAccess 529 Plan ‐ Advisor save the largest amount per account ($42,545).
South Dakota 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
South Dakota CollegeAccess 529 Plan ‐ Advisor 19,100 $42,545
South Dakota CollegeAccess 529 Plan ‐ Direct 1,686 $20,964

Tennessee 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Tennessee 529 plans had 27,091 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Tennessee 529 plans saved an average of $128.69 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Tennessee 529 account had $13,510 saved as of July 2024, up 6.06% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $366 million saved in Tennessee 529s as of July 2024.
Tennessee 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
TNStars College Savings 529 Program 27,091 $13,510

Texas 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Texas 529 plans had 99,481 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Texas 529 plans saved an average of $232.66 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Texas 529 account had $25,926 saved as of July 2024, up 5.69% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $2.579 billion saved in Texas 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Texas College Savings Plan, with $863 million saved in 42,276 accounts.
  • Families who use the Texas Tuition Promise Fund plan save the largest amount per account ($38,669).
Texas 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Texas Tuition Promise Fund 31,870 $38,669
Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan 16,001 $15,545
Texas College Savings Plan 42,276 $20,417
Texas LoneStar 529 Plan 9,334 $25,163

Utah 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Utah 529 plans had 515,414 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Utah 529 plans saved an average of $413.48 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Utah 529 account had $46,489 saved as of July 2024, up 5.64% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $23.961 billion saved in Utah 529s as of July 2024.
Utah 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Utah my529 515,414 $46,489

Vermont 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Vermont 529 plans had 29,305 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Vermont 529 plans saved an average of $225.01 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Vermont 529 account had $22,983 saved as of July 2024, up 6.24% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $674 million saved in Vermont 529s as of July 2024.
Vermont 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Vermont Higher Education Plan 29,305 $22,983

Virginia 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Virginia 529 plans had 3.13 million active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Virginia 529 plans saved an average of $389.19 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Virginia 529 account had $33,519 saved as of July 2024, up 7.49% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $105.012 billion saved in Virginia 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is Virginia CollegeAmerica, with $93.174 billion saved in 2.592 million accounts.
  • Families who use the Virginia Prepaid529 plan save the largest amount per account ($63,737).
Virginia 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Virginia CollegeAmerica 2,591,788 $35,950
Virginia Prepaid529 36,583 $63,737
Virginia Invest529 504,521 $18,841

Washington 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Washington 529 plans had 90,816 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Washington 529 plans saved an average of $169.39 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Washington 529 account had $26,971 saved as of July 2024, up 3.92% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $2.449 billion saved in Washington 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the Washington Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET), with $1.745 billion saved in 64,648 accounts.
  • Families who use the Washington DreamAhead College Investment Plan save the largest amount per account ($27,132).
Washington 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Washington Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) 64,648 $27,132
Washington DreamAhead College Investment Plan 26,168 $26,573

West Virginia 529 Plan Statistics

Families with West Virginia 529 plans had 109,926 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with West Virginia 529 plans saved an average of $255.51 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average West Virginia 529 account had $27,758 saved as of July 2024, up 5.85% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $3.051 billion saved in West Virginia 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is the West Virginia The Hartford SMART529 College Savings Plan, with $1.844 billion saved in 73,023 accounts.
  • Families who use the West Virginia SMART529 Select College Savings Plan save the largest amount per account ($55,812).
West Virginia 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
West Virginia The Hartford SMART529 College Savings Plan 73,023 $25,252
West Virginia SMART529 WV Direct College Savings Plan 24,344 $20,802
West Virginia SMART529 Select College Savings Plan 12,559 $55,812

Wisconsin 529 Plan Statistics

Families with Wisconsin 529 plans had 345,182 active accounts as of July 2024.

  • Families with Wisconsin 529 plans saved an average of $215.76 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Wisconsin 529 account had $22,574 saved as of July 2024, up 6.08% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $7.792 billion saved in Wisconsin 529s as of July 2024.
  • The most popular savings plan is Wisconsin EdVest, with $5.419 billion saved in 232,934 accounts.
  • Families who use the Wisconsin EdVest plan save the largest amount per account ($23,263).
Wisconsin 529 Programs
529 Program Number of Open Accounts Savings per Account
as of 6/30/2024
Wisconsin EdVest 232,934 $23,263
Wisconsin Tomorrow’s Scholar 529 Plan 112,248 $21,143

Wyoming 529 Plan Statistics

Wyoming terminated its 529 programs in 2006. College-bound residents of Wyoming may qualify for other states’ programs and national 529 plans such as the Private College 529 Plan or the SMART plans.

College savings statistics 5 on Education Data Initiative

Private 529 Plan Statistics

A consortium of private colleges and universities (under the name CollegeWell) have a 529 savings plan designed for students who wish to attend private institutions.

  • American families have 7,632 Private 529 accounts.
  • Families with Private 529 plans saved an average of $158.47 per month, per account in the first half of 2024.
  • The average Private 529 account had $46,174 saved as of July 2024, up 2.10% from 2023.
  • College-bound students and their families had $345 million saved in Private 529 accounts as of July 2024.

 

College savings statistics 6 on Education Data Initiative

Sources

  1. Sallie Mae, How America Pays for College
  2. College Savings Plan Network: 529 Plan Data 
  3. Internal Revenue Service, Tax Topics