Special Report: 529 Education Savings Plans

Investors have plenty of options when it comes to saving for college. Some choices include saving in taxable accounts or Roth IRAs, UTMAs and UGMAs, and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.

An increasingly popular option, however, is the 529 savings plan--and for good reason. These accounts offer tax benefits, have a less significant impact on financial aid eligibility than some other options, and can offer tax deductions at the state level.

But are 529 college savings plans worth it? How do they work? How do you choose one? And have they delivered for investors?

This special report tackles those questions and more.

Getting Started With a 529 College Savings Plan If setting up a college savings account is on your to-do list, here are some tips for getting going.

What Is a 529? We take a close look at these popular college savings accounts.

The Basics of 529 College Savings Plans Here is our doorway to 529 plans, one of the most often used college savings vehicles.

Saving for Education 101: The 529 Plan What they are and how they've changed.

The Top 529 Education Savings Plans of 2021 Morningstar identifies 32 best-in-class 529 plans.

Should You Shop Around for a 529 Plan? Some states offer a tax benefit that outweighs their plan's investment fees, tempting investors to stay close to home.

3 Themes Shaping the Future of 529 Savings Plans Despite the evolution of these plans, there's still plenty of progress left to make.

Morningstar's Annual 529 College-Savings Plan Landscape We explore how the overall universe of 529 plans is addressing these challenges and how individual plans are distinguishing themselves.

For Most College Savers, Prepaid 529 Plans Don't Make the Grade Investment in prepaid 529 plans continues to decline, and in many cases it's not hard to see why.

When to Start Saving for College What do college savers miss when they put off investing in a 529 plan?

How 529 Plans Encourage Higher Education Among Underserved Groups A closer look at some recent initiatives.

Are 529 Plans Worth It? Why 529s are right for some families and not others.

How Did 529 Plans Become So Confusing? An accident of history leads to opportunities and challenges for parents saving for college.