Help them Chase their Brightest Opportunities
You can already see their future. Start saving for it — by opening or contributing to an NC 529 college savings account. Earnings grow tax-free. It’s flexible. It illuminates a way forward. And it supports a world of future opportunities for your child or grandchild.
What is the NC 529 Plan?

An account in the NC 529 Plan helps illuminate a path forward. It’s a tax-advantaged saving and investment program that allows your loved ones to prepare for education expenses, including, among other expenses, college costs and K-12 tuition. An NC 529 college savings account makes saving for future education simpler and more attainable. And they can be used to save for your child, your grandchild, yourself, or any other future student. With the NC 529 Plan, you’re planning for success.
What education expenses does an NC 529 cover?
Contributions to an NC 529 account and earnings can be used for many qualified education expenses to light the way, such as:
- College expenses, including tuition, books, fees, room and board, a computer, and more.
- Career and technical education expenses, as long as the school is on the Federal Student Aid list, as well as apprenticeship programs that are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or State Apprenticeship Agency.
- Fees, exam books, and equipment for recognized post-secondary credential programs. Explore qualifying options:
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Registered Apprenticeships
- Occupational or Professional Licenses issued or recognized by state or federal governments
- Military credentials (Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marines)
- K-12 expenses, up to $20,000 per year, per child, including tuition, curriculum materials, books, online educational programs, fees for nationally standardized tests and dual enrollment courses, as well as tutoring and specialized educational services for students with disabilities.
- Special needs equipment.
- Student loan payments on behalf of the 529 beneficiary or beneficiary’s siblings up to $10,000 per individual.
- Rollovers of excess NC 529 funds to your beneficiary’s Roth IRA for their retirement. Certain criteria apply.
How can I get started?
Nearly anyone can open an account, and it only takes minutes. The minimum starting contribution — $25 — goes directly into the account. No fees involved.
