Forming and Communicating a Plan

There are many ways parents can help with college. Be sure you and your spouse are on the same page about how much you want to help your child (or grandchild) before they pick a school or start classes.

As 529 funds are utilized, receipts should be carefully kept. While audits are rare, they can occur. In general, staying within published school yearly recommended fee amounts for an institution should keep you from problems. These should be available from each post-secondary admissions office.

Be sure you are informed about qualified versus non-qualified expenses. Be sure to teach your student child these same boundaries and when non 529 funds must be used.

See Appendix 2 for a few major schools’ 2026 yearly recommended fee amounts.