How To Pick The Right College Savings Plan For Your Family

The 529 College Savings Plan is one of the best options when you want to save for your child’s college expenses. However, with over 100 529 plans to choose from picking the right one can be challenging.

These few tips will help you pick the right 529 college savings plan for your family:

Find out if your home state offers an income tax deduction for contributions to the state’s plans

Contributions to a 529 plan are not eligible for federal income tax deductions but some states offer an income tax deduction if you contribute to the state’s plan.

Do your homework on the fees and other investment options

In some cases, the income tax deduction is outweighed by exorbitant processing fees and the lack of good investment options. Before you sign up for your state’s 529 plan, find out how much you will have to pay by way of fees, and also look for higher-quality, lower-cost investment opportunities.

Explore out-of-state plans

You are free to choose any state’s 529 plans. If your home state does not offer an income tax deduction, or if their plan is very expensive, take time to look into the plans offered by other states and choose one that offers you the best deal.

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Rates (APR)	Eligibility
5.50%-16.12%* Variable 3.99%-15.61%* Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT CITIZENS
5.54% - 15.70% Variable 3.99% - 15.49% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT SALLIE MAE
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3.70% - 8.75% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT ISL
5.62% - 16.85% Variable 3.69% - 16.49% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT EARNEST
5.00% - 14.22% Variable 3.69% - 14.22% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT ELFI

College Raptor is not a loan lender and does not assume responsibility for suggesting a loan to a user who may not be eligible for it. Rates, terms, conditions, eligibility, approval, and other considerations are the decisions of the lenders and may vary depending on which lender or marketplace the user selects. We urge users to carefully consider and review all loan options and terms before committing to taking out a loan.