So just what is a 529 college savings plan?

Usually offered by a state (or in some cases, a university), a 529 plan offers families - including grandparents and other relatives - an affordable, tax-advantaged way to save for a child's education at virtually any college or university in the United States. You can check out Our Plan to see what makes the UA College Savings Plan such a powerful savings program. Or use the links below to learn about the benefits, tax advantages, and other basics of 529s.

How exactly does a 529 plan work?

Find out how a 529 plan can help you save for college tuition and educational expenses, while allowing any earnings to grow free of federal taxes. (We'll also tell you what that "529" is all about.)

What are the tax benefits?

See how a 529 plan can allow your earnings to grow free of federal taxes - and discover how a second tax benefit kicks in when you use the funds for qualified educational expenses.

Please note the availability of tax or other benefits may be conditioned on meeting certain requirements such as residency, purpose for or timing of distributions, or other factors, as applicable.

How does a 529 plan compare to other ways to contribute for education?

There are other options - UGMAs/UTMAs and Coverdell ESAs: Which one is the right choice for you? We'll take a look at them in an easy side-by-side comparison.

If you are not an Alaska resident, you should compare this Plan with any 529 college savings plan offered by your home state or your beneficiary's home state and consider, before investing, any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in the home state's plan. You can call 1-866-277-1005 or visit the forms section of our site to request a Plan Disclosure Document, which includes investment objectives, risks, fees, charges and expenses, and other information that you should read and consider carefully before investing. T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., Distributor/Underwriter.