The markets for 529 college savings plans and ABLE [Achieving a Better Life Experience] accounts sustained growth in the second quarter of 2026, according to data from ISS Market Intelligence, which, like PLANADVISER, is owned by ISS STOXX.
In Q2, total assets under management for 529 college savings plans and prepaid tuition programs grew to $654 billion across 18.2 million accounts, up from $568 billion across 17.3 million accounts one year earlier.
For more stories like this, sign up for the PLANADVISERdash daily newsletter.
The data showed that holders of 17.4 million accounts invested $627 billion in assets in 529 savings plans, while prepaid tuition plans totaled $27 billion across 800,000 accounts. The amount invested exclusively in 529 savings plans increased year-over-year from a previous total of 16.4 million accounts with $543 billion invested. Last year, pre-paid tuition plans totaled $25 billion across 900,000 accounts.
Meanwhile, ABLE accounts, also known as 529A accounts, which offer tax-advantaged savings for individuals with disabilities, grew to 263,000 accounts holding $3.6 billion in assets, up from 246,000 accounts and $3.3 billion last quarter and 214,000 accounts with $2.7 billion invested one year ago.
Estimated 529 college savings plan net inflows were $4.8 billion in Q2, up from $4 billion in Q2 2025 and $3.6 billion in Q2 2024.
The ISS Market Intelligence report stated that the ongoing growth of 529 accounts and account balances suggests that families’ “perceptions and utilization of 529s have successfully transitioned from a one-off college planning tool to a fully integrated education and career training component to a successful holistic financial plan.”
Acknowledging a successful first 30 years of the 529 market, ISS MI’s study forecasted continued growth in 529 accounts, driven by the expansion of qualified expenses for which 529 assets can be used, as well as product, marketing and distribution enhancements.
The five largest 529 savings plan program managers by assets through Q2 were:
- Ascensus: $170.6 billion;
- American Funds: $117.4 billion;
- TIAA: $91.8 billion;
- Fidelity: $62.4 billion; and
- the State of Utah: $32.4 billion.
In addition, the five largest 529 savings plans, ranked by Q2 assets, were:
- CollegeAmerica 529 Savings, by American Funds: $117.4 billion;
- New York 529 Direct, by Vanguard: $55.7 billion;
- Vanguard 529, by Vanguard: $47.9 billion;
- My529, by Utah: $32.4 billion; and
- UNIQUE College Investing Plan, by Fidelity: $31.3 billion.
