National 529 Day
Save for Education with Special Offers & Bonuses
What is 529 Day?
National 529 Day (May 29th) celebrates 529 education savings plans and encourages families to start or boost their education savings. It’s part of a 30-year legacy of helping Americans save for college, university, technical school, career certifications, and more higher education options.
This year, education savings plans across the country are offering special bonuses and promotions to help you get started. Take advantage of these limited-time offers to save for your child’s future.
Limited Time Offers: Most promotions run through May 31, 2026. Don’t miss out on these special bonuses!
Why Choose a 529 Plan?
- Tax-Deferred Growth: Earnings grow free from federal taxes
- Tax-Free Withdrawals: 100% tax-free when used for qualified education expenses
- State Tax Benefits: Many states offer tax deductions or credits for contributions
- Flexibility: Save for college, universities, technical schools, career certifications, and more
- Easy to Open: Most plans allow account opening in 15 minutes or less
- Low Minimum Deposits: Many plans require just $25 to $50 to start
529 Day Specials By State
529 Education Savings by J.P Morgan Asset Management
This year we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary of Mission: Tuition, a JPMorganChase initiative providing employees free education and resources on college costs, financial aid, investment strategies, 529 plans, and more.
To recognize this milestone we will be hosting a 529 day event at the NYC Headquarters which will include interactive slides from the award-winning College Planning Essentials, “AI Your College Self” photo booth and live 529 panel session with our experts
Be sure to check out Tricia Scarlata, Head of Education Savings on Bloomberg TV on May 29.
J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Check out this video
In celebration of 529 Day and to commemorate the launch of our incentive program, T. Rowe Price 529 partnering with SavingForCollege.com to present a webinar answering the most common questions about 529 plans and education savings. Join a panel of 529 experts on May 28th at 1:00 PM for valuable perspectives to inform your education savings journey.
Gift of College
Gift of College will be hosting uplifting and informative “529 Day” webinars with employer clients and others on May 29th and throughout the month of May.
Ascensus
At Ascensus we are busy helping our state clients and institutional partners launch a number of promotional 529 Day campaigns. Internally we are celebrating through a push to drive associate adoption of Ascensus’ $200 contribution 529 annual match program. All associates that apply for their 529 match before 6/30 are entered to win one of four $529 contribution prizes. We are also running 529 educational webinars to increase awareness and understanding.
Manulife John Hancock/Education Trust of Alaska
Thursday, May 21 – CE Approved
10 Myths About 529 Education Savings Plans
529s aren’t simple anymore – 10 myths advisors need to share with clients.
Join 529 specialists Rick LaMonica and Geoff Williams for an advisor-focused webinar designed to improve client outcomes and deepen family relationships. They’ll debunk common 529 myths and share practical strategies you can use immediately to elevate conversations with parents and grandparents.
They’ll cover:
- Who can fund a 529 account and who can benefit
- The impact of a 529 account on financial aid and scholarships
- Whether it makes sense to choose your state’s plan
- The types of schools your child can select
- The legacy benefits of a 529 account
Sign up today and don’t miss this exclusive opportunity.
Manulife John Hancock/Education Trust of Alaska
Thursday, May 21 – CE Approved
10 Myths About 529 Education Savings Plans
529s aren’t simple anymore – 10 myths advisors need to share with clients.
Join 529 specialists Rick LaMonica and Geoff Williams for an advisor-focused webinar designed to improve client outcomes and deepen family relationships. They’ll debunk common 529 myths and share practical strategies you can use immediately to elevate conversations with parents and grandparents.
They’ll cover:
- Who can fund a 529 account and who can benefit
- The impact of a 529 account on financial aid and scholarships
- Whether it makes sense to choose your state’s plan
- The types of schools your child can select
- The legacy benefits of a 529 account
Sign up today and don’t miss this exclusive opportunity.
California ScholarShare 529
$50 Bonus | May 20 – May 31, 2026
Requirements:
- New beneficiary account
- Initial deposit of at least $50
- Use promo code 529Day26
- Recurring contributions of $50/months for 6 consecutive months
Details available starting May 6
Ascensus/D.C. College Savings Plan – D.C. College Savings Plan (DC 529)
Free Educational Webinar | May 29, 2026 | 1:00 PM EDT
In celebration of National 529 Day, DC 529 is hosting a free informational webinar to discuss:
- Overview of 529 Basics
- Features and benefits of the DC College Savings Plan
Boise Hawks 529 Day Celebration
May 29, 2026
During the Boise Hawks home game on 5/29, Idaho will feature:
- Special 529 Day signage throughout the stadium
- In-game announcements recognizing 529 Day
- Promotion of college savings awareness to fans and families
Ongoing Family Promotion
Through the Boise Hawks season, one child is selected each game to:
- Receive games tickets
- Help start the game with a “Let’s play ball!” announcement
Social Media Highlights
Photos and moments from the 529 Day celebration will be shared on social media following the event.
Why It Matters
Idaho’s 529 Day celebration helps connect families with college savings awareness through fun, community-focused events.
Indiana 529
$529 Sweepstakes Prize Entry Period | May 1 – May 8, 2026
$529 Day Big Futures Sweepstakes:
Enter for a chance to win $529 deposit into a new or existing Indiana529 account. Twenty winning families will be randomly selected on May 29, 2026.
Maryland Advantage:
Eligible Maryland residents may receive $250 or $500 through state contribution programs!
Please enter between May 1 and May 28, 2026 with the link below!
Kansas Quest29
$50 Bonus | May 20 – May 31, 2026
How to Get Your Bonus:
- Make an initial deposit of at least $50
- Use promo code 529Day26
- Set up recurring contributions of $50+ for at least 6 months
Kansas Advantage
Kansas taxpayers are eligible for a 2026 state tax deduction. Any earnings grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are 100% tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.
BlackRock – CollegeAdvantage (Maine) 529 Plans
BlackRock will be coordinating a number of events and promotions to continue to raise awareness about the benefits and flexibility of 529 plans. The goal is to get a larger demographic of people to consider the benefits of 529 plans. These events will include
- A firmwide 529 educational webinar
- Employee 529 office hours at multiple BlackRock offices
- Social media promotion through videos and posts
- A new advisor insight article
- Sales team campaigns and marketing promotion to clients
- 529 team webinars for advisors and clients
Maryland College Investment Plan (MD529)
Free Educational Webinar + State Contribution Available | May 28, 2026 | 12:00 PM EDT
In celebration of 529 Day, Maryland 529 is hosting a free informational webinar to discuss:
- Overview of 529 Basics
- Features and benefits of the Maryland College Investment Plan
- Save4College State Contribution Program ($250 or $500)
Maryland Advantage:
Eligible Maryland residents may receive $250 or $500 through the State Contribution Program. Apply by May 31.
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)
529 Day 2026
Massachusetts is celebrating 529 Day throughout the month of May with expanded, easy-to-understand savings content across MEFA’s communications platforms. MEFA will highlight simple ways families can start and continue saving for the future through the U.Plan Prepaid Tuition Program, the U.Fund College Investing Plan, and Attainable, the Able® Savings Plan for individuals with disabilities, along with helpful resources such as articles, tools, and calculators.
MEFA is also hosting a series of savings-focused webinars, including Using Your U.Plan Funds on May 19, Attainable: The ABLE Savings Plan on May 21, and Using Your U.Fund to Pay for College on June 25. All MEFA webinars can be attended by registering at https://www.mefa.org/webinars. In addition, Fidelity Investments will host a webinar on May 27, How a 529 Can Fit Into Your Education Savings Strategy. Registration is available at https://fidelityevents.com/529-education-savings-strategy.
A key focus this year is NextSteps, MEFA’s newest college savings incentive program, launched in January 2026. NextSteps helps families get started saving by offering a one-time $50 matching contribution when they open a U.Fund 529 account for a Massachusetts child age 1 to 3 who may have missed eligibility for the BabySteps program and contribute $50 into the account. Together, BabySteps and NextSteps make it easier for more families to being saving early and build momentum toward future education and training goals. Visit https://www.mefa.org/ways-to-save/.
Michigan – 529 Day 2026
Governor Whitmer Declares May 29 as 529 Day in Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared May 29, 2026 as 529 Day in Michigan, recognizing the state’s 529 college savings program:
- Michigan Education Trust (MET)
- Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP)
- Michigan Advisor Plan (MAP)
Michigan Education Trust (MET)
$50 529 Day Bonus Offer
MET is offering a $50 bonus for eligible new and existing accounts.
Offer details:
- Dates: May 29 – June 1, 2026
- New Contracts: Open with a $250 initial contribution
- Existing Contracts: Make a qualifying contribution during the promo period
- See MET website for full eligibility and rules
Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP)
529 in 20: Your Power Lunch Guide to College Savings (Webinar)
A short educational webinar covering 529 basics and savings strategies.
Details:
- Date: May 21, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)
- Length: 20 minutes
- Topics: 529 Basics, How to Start Saving, Benefits of MESP
Michigan Advisor Plan (MAP
MAP is Michigan’s advisor-guided 529 plan designed to help families save for education with professional financial guidance.
Why It Matters
Michigan 529 plans help families save for education with tax-advantaged growth and flexible savings options for future academic and career goals.
Nebraska NEST 529
25-Day Prize Campaign
Launches May 29, 2026
25 Years of Big Dreams Celebration
Enter to win various prizes each day throughout the campaign via an embedded form on the NEST 529 website.
Special Event
NEST is joining the Nebraska Governor for a proclamation signing to celebrate 529 Day!
Nevada Treasury
529 Day 2026
At the Nevada Treasury, we are dedicated to helping families plan, pay, and save for post-secondary education. This year, in celebration of 529 Day, we’re excited to connect with the community in a big way!
To kick off the first week of summer, we’ll be exhibiting at the Reno Aces vs. Sacramento River Cats baseball game! Our very own Treasurer will be throwing out the first pitch.
In Las Vegas, we will be partnering with the aquarium at the Boulevard Mall and offering FREE admission to the first 300 guests!
And to make this special day even more memorable, every baby born in Nevada on May 29th will receive a special gift of $529 into the Future Path 529 Plan from our College Savings Division, because it’s never too early to start planning for the future.
Franklin Templeton / New Jersey
529 Day 2026
For Franklin Templeton (Franklin Templeton 529 and NJBEST 529 Plans), a coordinated awareness campaign will run throughout the month featuring:
- Refreshed 529 Beyond the Basics Workbook
- Educational articles
- Advisor and shareholder communications
- Social media content
- Website content
- Personalized digital experiences
The campaign is designated to help families better understand the wide range of educational paths 529 plans can support, from traditional college to career training and apprenticeships.
Year-Round Benefits for New Jersey Families
Families saving through NJBEST and the Franklin Templeton 529 Plan can access benefits year-round, including:
- State income tax deduction
- Initial contribution match for eligible families
- College scholarship opportunity tied to enrollment length and contributions
New Mexico
5-29 falls right in the heart of our first ever “On the Road” initiative to educate our entire (and large!) state of New Mexico about the benefits of the great 529. We are the “Land of Enchantment,” so perhaps it’s the Enchanted 529!
We will conduct radio and television interviews on the actual 5-29, but our tour has begun.
First Legs of the NM529 Tour:
- Clovis – Pioneer Days Rodeo
- Farmington – River Fest
- Grants – Spokes Rt 66 Celebration
Each stop has local ad placement, radio interviews, and special outreach spots at favorite eateries en route!
The Education Trust Board of New Mexico
$5.29 Challenge – 529 Plan Day
The Education Trust Board of New Mexico is doing a $5.29 Challenge—an email campaign targeting account holders and other email lists, challenging them to donate just $5.29 to their account and ask others to gift into the account as well. It’s a simple shareable way to grow education savings and spread the word about 529 plans this National 529 Day.
NC 529 Plan
529 Day 2026
For National 529 Day, the NC 529 Plan is holding a sweepstakes where the winner will be awarded $1,529.00 in their account.
Ohio 529 CollegeAdvantage
Free Educational Webinar | May 29, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST
529 Day 2026: Top Trends in 529 Plans
Hosted by Paul Curley, CFA (ISS Market Intelligence) and Trisha Good (Ohio 529 Plan Executive Director)
Topics Covered:
- 529 reminders, tips, and best practices
- 2026 market trends & insights
- Family planning strategies
Ohio 529 CollegeAdvantage
Media Opportunities For 529 Day
Wednesday, May 20:
Trisha Good, Executive Director, Broadcast Interview with Good Day Columbus (ABC affiliate) to promote 529 Day.
Wednesday, May 27:
Trisha Good, Executive Director, Pregame Broadcast Interview with the Akron RubberDucks (AA affiliate for the Cleveland Guardians) to promote the ARD Most Improved Student Program and the Akron Summit County Public Library’s Summer Reading (June 8 – August 1).
Wednesday, May 27:
Ben Gibbons, Director of Marketing, Pregame Broadcast Interview with the Toledo Mud Hens (AAA affiliate for the Detroit Tigers) to promote the Mud Hens-529 College Advantage Home Run Readers Sweepstakes and its support of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library Summer Read (May 30 – August 1).
Ohio 529 CollegeAdvantage
Ohio 529 Sweepstakes Launching On/Around 529 Day
2026 Cleveland Guardians Home Run with a $10,000 college savings award grand prize.
2026 Toledo Mud Hens Home Run Readers with a $2,500 college savings award grand prize.
Ohio 529 CollegeAdvantage
2026 Library Summer Reading Program Support
Ohio 529 supports the summer reading programs of Akron-Summit County Public Library, the Dayton Metro Library, the Columbus Metropolitan Library, and with the Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo Lucas County Public Library. These efforts aim to help keep students and learning throughout the summer. As an additional incentive, Ohio 529 offers multiple college savings awards, ranging from $529 to $2,529.
BlackRock – CollegeAdvantage (Ohio) 529 Plans
BlackRock will be coordinating a number of events and promotions to continue to raise awareness about the benefits and flexibility of 529 plans. The goal is to get a larger demographic of people to consider the benefits of 529 plans. These events will include
- A firmwide 529 educational webinar
- Employee 529 office hours at multiple BlackRock offices
- Social media promotion through videos and posts
- A new advisor insight article
- Sales team campaigns and marketing promotion to clients
- 529 team webinars for advisors and clients
PA 529 College and Career Savings Program
529 Day Promotion
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program is celebrating 529 Day with a promotion for new and current PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plans (GSP) andPA 529 Investment Plan (IP) account owners with awards totaling more than $33,000!
PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) and PA 529 Investment Plan (IP) accounts that receive a qualifying contribution of at least $10 between May 1 and 31, 2026, will be automatically eligible for one of six regional awards of $5,529. Accounts must be open on or before May 31, 2026, and the account owner must be a Pennsylvania resident. Conditions apply. Read the official rules at pa529.com/529day for additional details.
my529 (Utah)
529 Day 2026
my529 has been helping families save for education for 30 years. To celebrate our anniversary and National 529 Day, we are offering a potential $50 in promotions in the month of May.
Utah residents may be eligible for up to a $50 match if they open a my529 account for a beneficiary who is new to my529 between May 1 and June 1, 2026. To qualify, contribute at least $30 at opening, and set up scheduled monthly contributions for at least six consecutive months.
Invest529 (Virginia)
Virginia is celebrating 529 Day with a special $25 contribution for anyone who opens a new Invest529 account at Invest529.com between May 28 and May 31. Plus, families can join a free May 29 webinar co-hosted with Coastal VA Wealth to learn smart ways to plan for future education.
- Giveaways: Open a new Invest529 account from May 28, 2026 through May 31, 2026 and receive a $25 contribution. Details will be available beginning May 28th by simply visiting Invest529.com.
- Co-Hosted May 29 webinar with a financial advisor: Celebrate 529 Day with Invest 529 and Coastal VA Wealth!
GET Prepaid Tuition Plan (Washington)
529 Day 2026
GET is running a promotion where every GET account opened between May 1 and May 29 is automatically entered to win one of 15 $529 bonus deposits into their new GET account
WA529 Invest (Washington) – TIAA
529 Day 2026
WA529 Invest is running a promotion in May in which anyone who opens a new account between May 20 and May 31 and sets up a 6-month recurring deposit of $50 gets a $50 bonus.
Wisconsin Edvest 529
$50 Summer Savings Bonus | May 18 – June 8, 2026
How to Get Your Bonus:
- Open a new account during offer period
- Make initial deposit of at least $50
- Set up recurring contributions of $25+ for 3+ months
Free Educational Webinars
Wednesday, May 20 or Wednesday, May 27 to learn about Edvest 529 benefits.
Voya Investment Management
Join Voya Investment Management for an informative, interactive webinar with Voya’s James Harper, Product Manager, 529 and Multi-Asset Strategies and Solutions, who will offer advice on how you can tap the potential of 529 plans to build your business.
James will discuss:
- How 529 plans affect financial aid
- Growing your book by prospecting friends and family for college savings contributions
- Creating a niche to address one of the biggest financial planning concerns of Americans
Eligible attendees may obtain CE credit for: CFFP, CFP®, CFA, IWI, and PRP®
Tomorrow’s Scholar® is a state-sponsored 529 college savings plan administered by the State of Wisconsin. Voya Investments Distributor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company provides investment management, administrative, and distribution services for the Tomorrow’s Scholar® Plan.
Additional Resource
Education Savings Market Report AKF Consulting Group is preparing their annual Education Savings Market Report available in early May.