More Than a Four-Year Degree: College Savings Can Follow Many Education Paths

Published September 1, 2026

Topeka, Kan. (September 1, 2026) – September is College Savings Month, and for many Kansas families, that also means sitting with questions that don't have easy answers yet: Will my child go to a four-year college or university? A trade program? Something else entirely? The good news is a 529 plan doesn't require having the answers today.

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged account designed to help families save for education. But despite the name "college savings plan," those savings aren't limited to a traditional four-year college.

Quest529, Kansas' state-sponsored 529 plan, can help pay for a wide range of education paths, including two- and four-year colleges, trade and vocational schools, registered apprenticeships and eligible credentialing programs. That flexibility holds true even if a child's path leads out of state because funds can be used at eligible schools and programs across the country.

The savings can cover more than tuition, too. Qualified expenses can include things like books, supplies, room and board, and other education-related expenses. Funds can also be used for certain K-12 education expenses and student loan repayment, subject to applicable limits.

If a child ultimately doesn't need all of the money for education, families may have other options. Under current federal law, up to $35,000 in unused 529 funds may be eligible to roll over to the beneficiary's Roth IRA, subject to federal requirements and limits.

"Parents shouldn't feel like they have to predict their child's future before they start saving for it," said Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson, administrator of Quest529. “Whether that future includes a four-year college, a skilled trade, an apprenticeship or another path, Quest529 gives families the flexibility to start preparing today.”

Flexibility extends to how a family saves, too. Family and friends can contribute directly to an account through Quest529's online gifting tool, Ugift^®, making it easy to turn birthdays, holidays or other occasions into contributions toward a child’s education.

Kansas families can visit Quest529.com to learn more about qualified expenses or to open an account online in minutes.

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About Quest529

Quest529 is one of the Kansas 529 postsecondary education savings programs, administered by the Kansas State Treasurer, Steven Johnson. With average total annual asset-based fees at 0.08%, Quest529 is among the most affordable 529 plans in the nation.¹ Kansas taxpayers can reduce their state taxable income up to $6,000 if married filing jointly ($3,000 filing single) for contributions made into Quest529 per beneficiary. Learn more at Quest529.com.

To learn more about Kansas' Quest529 Education Savings Plan, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses see the Plan Description at Quest529.com before investing. Read it carefully. Prior to investing, check with your home state to learn if it offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds or protection from creditors for investing in its own 529 plan. If the funds aren't used for qualified higher education expenses, a federal 10% penalty tax on earnings (as well as federal and state income taxes) may apply. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor and underwriter for Quest529.

Funds rolled over to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn free from federal and Kansas income tax. If you are not a Kansas taxpayer, these withdrawals may include recapture of tax deduction and state income tax. Account Owners and Beneficiaries should consult with a qualified tax professional before rolling over funds from their 529 plan to contribute to a Roth IRA.

K-12 (primary or secondary school) qualified expenses are limited to $20,000 per year. Apprenticeship programs must be registered and certified with the Secretary of Labor under the National Apprenticeship Act. Recognized Postsecondary Credentialing Program qualified expenses include tuition, books, equipment, supplies for the enrollment or attendance, testing fees if required to obtain or maintain a Recognized Postsecondary Credential, fees for continuing education if required to maintain a Credential and therapies for students with disabilities. Withdrawals for qualified K-12 expenses, registered apprenticeship programs and Credentialing Programs can be withdrawn free from federal and Kansas income tax. If you are not a Kansas taxpayer, these withdrawals may include recapture of tax deduction, state income tax as well as penalties. You should talk to a qualified professional about how tax provisions affect your circumstances.

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Media Contact:

Susan Shank
Mentzer PR Group (for Quest529)
sshank@mprg.biz
816-536-5746