State of Washington College Savings Plan
Washington State College Savings Plans, known as WA529 offer two types of 529 plans: the DreamAhead College Savings Plan and the Guaranteed Education Program (GET). These funds can cover qualified higher education expenses, including many, but not all, UW study abroad programs.
Faculty-led Programs, Exchanges & Rome in Residence
For Faculty-led Programs, Exchanges, and Rome in Residence you can use DreamAhead or GET funds because UW charges your student account and collects fees for your programs. Program fees appear on your UW student account.
Partner and Direct Enrollment Programs
For Partner and Direct Enrollment Programs, you pay program fees directly to the program provider. Only the UW Study Abroad fee is charged to your student account. The program fee charges do not show on your UW student account. Most program providers may not be approved by the U.S. Department of Education for 529 College Savings Plans eligibility. Contact WA529 College Savings Plans to verify eligibility.
To use Dreamahead or GET funds for study abroad, follow the instructions found on the Student Fiscal Service page.
Other 529 Plans
529 plans (legally known as qualified tuition plans) from other U.S. states can also cover qualified higher education expenses for many, but not all, UW study abroad programs.
Faculty-led Programs, Exchanges & Rome in Residence
For Faculty-led Programs, Exchanges, or Rome in Residence, you can use 529 funds because UW charges your UW student account and collects fees for your program. Program fees appear on your UW student account. While most 529 plans allow funds to be used at eligible institutions nationwide, some 529 plans may have restrictions or preferences for in-state institutions, so be sure to check with your 529 plan for eligibility.
Partner and Direct Enrollment Programs
For Partner and Direct Enrollment Programs, you pay program fees directly to the provider, only the UW Study Abroad Fee is charged to your UW student account. In many cases, the program provider is not approved by the U.S. Department of Education for eligibility with 529 plans. You can check the eligibility of the partner program provider by contacting the provider or consulting the Federal School Code List.
If you are distributing the 529 funds directly to your bank account, it is important to save all receipts, bills, and other documentation related to the expense.
Resources
Not all expenses related to studying abroad are considered qualified expenses for 529 plans. Check out the resources below to learn more about using 529 funds for studying abroad: