1Q 2022 529 and ABLE Market Sizing Highlights

By Paul Curley, CFA | paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com | May 11, 2022

What was the 529 and ABLE market sizing as of 1Q 2022 (March 31, 2022)?

  March 2022 Quarterly 529 Market Sizing Data
– 15.8 million accounts invested $458 billion in assets in 529 savings and prepaid plans
– 14.9 million accounts invested $432 billion in assets in 529 savings plans
– 0.9 million accounts invested $26 billion in assets in 529 prepaid plans
– 119,599 accounts invested $1.112 billion in assets in ABLE (529A) accounts

December 2021 Quarterly 529 Market Sizing Data
– 15.7 million accounts invested $480 billion in assets in 529 savings and prepaid plans
– 14.8 million accounts invested $452 billion in assets in 529 savings plans
– 0.9 million accounts invested $28 billion in assets in 529 prepaid plans
– 112,106 accounts invested $1.044 billion in assets in ABLE (529A) accounts

March 2021 Quarterly 529 Market Sizing Data
– 15.1 million accounts invested $438 billion in assets in 529 savings and prepaid plans
– 14.2 million accounts invested $412 billion in assets in 529 savings plans
– 0.9 million accounts invested $26 billion in assets in 529 prepaid plans
– 90,706 accounts invested $759 million in assets in ABLE (529A) accounts

Net Flows (contributions minus withdrawals):
– Estimated 529 savings plan net inflows were $3.4 billion in 1Q 2022 compared to net inflows of $3.7 billion in 1Q 2021 and net inflows of $3.2 billion in 1Q 2020, which aligns with steady demand for 529s and more parents successfully using 529s for their intended purpose of qualified higher education expenses (tuition, books and room & board).

From an industry asset level and account perspective, 529 saving plans continue to grow and help even more families. Therefore, investor interest in 529 college savings plans and saving for education in an efficient manner in terms of tax, financial aid and estate planning continues to rise, and especially as part of year-end tax planning and college financial planning.

Top 10 529 Savings Plans by 1Q 2022 Assets

Source: ISS Market Intelligence

Top 5 529 Savings Plan Program Managers by 1Q 2022 Assets

Source: ISS Market Intelligence

For questions, commentary or feedback on the data, please contact Paul Curley at paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com.