ScholarShare 529
California's ultra-low-cost 529 plan with passive index portfolios
How it works
ScholarShare 529 is California's official college savings plan, administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board chaired by the State Treasurer and managed by TIAA-CREF. It offers age-based enrollment portfolios in both passive index and active strategies, plus a Principal Plus Interest capital preservation option with zero annual asset-based fees. Passive index portfolio fees start at just 0.04%, making it one of the cheapest 529 plans in the country.
Is it right for you?
Consider if you
- You are a California resident and want the official state 529 plan
- You want the lowest passive index fees available in any 529 plan
- You want both active and passive enrollment-year portfolio options
Skip if you
- California residents wanting a state tax deduction (CA offers none)
- Families wanting an all-in-one kids banking and investing app
Your money and data
ScholarShare 529 is a state-sponsored 529 plan administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board (chaired by the California State Treasurer) and managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. California offers no state tax deduction for contributions. Investments are held in a mix of age-based passive and active portfolios with underlying funds from Vanguard, Schwab, and TIAA.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Passive index fees as low as 0.04%, among the absolute lowest nationwide
- Principal Plus Interest portfolio has 0.00% annual asset-based fee
- TIAA-CREF management with over 2 million accounts and $60 billion in assets
Cons
- California offers no state tax deduction for 529 contributions
- Active portfolio fees up to 0.38% are higher than pure index options
Pricing details
Passive portfolios from 0.04% expense ratio · Principal Plus Interest option 0.00% · $0 to open
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