4Q 2020 529 and ABLE Market Sizing Highlights

By Paul Curley, CFA | paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com | February 9, 2021

What was the 529 and ABLE market sizing as of 4Q 2020?

December 2020 Quarterly 529 Market Sizing Data
– 14.9 million accounts invested $425 billion in assets in 529 savings and prepaid plans
– 13.9 million accounts invested $398 billion in assets in 529 savings plans
– 1.0 million accounts invested $27 billion in assets in 529 prepaid plans
– 82,019 accounts invested $643 million in assets in ABLE (529A) accounts

September 2020 Quarterly 529 Market Sizing Data
– 14.7 million accounts invested $387 billion in assets in 529 savings and prepaid plans
– 13.7 million accounts invested $361 billion in assets in 529 savings plans
– 1.0 million accounts invested $26 billion in assets in 529 prepaid plans
– 75,479 accounts invested $538 million in assets in ABLE (529A) accounts

Net Flows (contributions minus withdrawals):
– Estimated 529 savings plan net inflows were $4.6 billion in 4Q 2020 compared to net inflows of $2.7 billion in 4Q 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 4Q 2020 Assets

Source: ISS Market Intelligence

Top 5 529 Savings Plan Program Managers by 4Q 2020 Assets

Source: ISS Market Intelligence

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