Many parents who aren’t sure if their children will pursue 4-year degrees think that 529 plans are therefore not for them. If that sounds like you, you may be surprised to learn that funds in 529 plans can be used at a wide range of schools including community colleges, technical, trade and professional schools. Any school that is eligible for federal aid is a school at which 529 plan money can be used. To see a list of eligible schools, click here.

And, of course, you can change a 529 plan’s beneficiary if the original beneficiary doesn’t end up continuing their education at all beyond high school. You might find yourself interested in a new career path or continuing education, too!