2Q 2021 529 and ABLE Market Sizing Highlights

By Paul Curley, CFA | paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com | August 6, 2021

What was the 529 and ABLE market sizing as of 2Q 2021?

June 2021 Quarterly 529 Market Sizing Data
– 15.3 million accounts invested $464 billion in assets in 529 savings and prepaid plans
– 14.3 million accounts invested $437 billion in assets in 529 savings plans
– 1.0 million accounts invested $27 billion in assets in 529 prepaid plans
– 100,874 accounts invested $878 million in assets in ABLE (529A) accounts

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

June 2020 Quarterly 529 Market Sizing Data
– 14.7 million accounts invested $373 billion in assets in 529 savings and prepaid plans
– 13.7 million accounts invested $348 billion in assets in 529 savings plans
– 1.0 million accounts invested $25 billion in assets in 529 prepaid plans
– 69,254 accounts invested $469 million in assets in ABLE (529A) accounts


Net Flows (contributions minus withdrawals):
– Estimated 529 savings plan net inflows were $4.7 billion in 2Q 2021 compared to net inflows of $3.5 billion in 2Q 2020 and $3.3 billion in 2Q 2019, 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 2Q 2021 Assets

Source: ISS Market Intelligence

Top 5 529 Savings Plan Program Managers by 2Q 2021 Assets

Source: ISS Market Intelligence

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