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What happens to a 529 if my child doesn’t go to college?

Short answer

You can change the beneficiary, use it for other qualified education, or withdraw it with taxes and a penalty on earnings. Limited rollover options also exist.

Rules differ by state. This is general information, not legal or professional advice.

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Official sources

SEC Investor.gov: 529 plansinvestor.gov
IRS: 529 plans questions and answersirs.gov
StudentAid.gov: financial aid basicsstudentaid.gov