Our story

It starts with the very foundation of who we are:

Hundreds of colleges and universities committed to affordability

Coming together

In 2003, a group of colleges and universities came together to create what is now known as Private College 529 Plan — a prepaid tuition plan designed to help families save on the future cost of tuition. Over twenty years later, our mission remains the same, and our network has grown to include nearly 300 institutions, all united by a commitment to affordability.

For families, this means more choices — and the reassurance that every dollar of prepaid tuition is guaranteed. That’s because our member schools own the plan, a distinction that sets us apart from all other 529 plans.

Private College 529 Plan is gaining national recognition, with coverage from The Wall Street Journal and other major media outlets. Explore some of our recent media highlights.

 

Paving a path

We know most families want to save for college but often don’t know where to begin — and too many limit their options based on misconceptions about affordability. That’s why we launched CollegeWell: to expand our reach and support more families on their savings journey.

With education at the core of our mission and experts guiding the way, we’re helping families plan with confidence and save to achieve their goals. Our experts include seasoned financial planners, senior financial aid administrators from leading colleges across the country, and other trusted industry professionals.

Together, CollegeWell and the Private College 529 Plan offer a comprehensive solution for families everywhere.

Our purpose
So families don’t feel limited when exploring their possibilities for college.

Our vision
Until every family understands that private college is possible.

Our mission
We’re changing the way families feel about and approach college savings. A clear path, expert guidance, genuine support and a plan to help you pursue the best higher education opportunities for your kids — in one convenient place. CollegeWell.

 

Timeline

1986
The first prepaid college savings vehicle is established.

1996
U.S. Congress enacts Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.

2001
U.S. Congress passes legislation making qualified distributions from 529 plans tax-exempt and permitting “colleges and their consortia” to sponsor prepaid tuition plans.

2003
Private College 529 Plan launches under the name Independent 529.

2003
BusinessWeek magazine names the plan one of its Best Products of 2003.

2003
The plan has 863 accounts and over $8 million in assets by the end of the year.

2006
The first Tuition Certificate is redeemed by a family at Baylor University in Texas.

2006
The plan has 257 participating colleges, 5,000 accounts and $106 million in assets by the end of the year.

2010
Independent 529 changes its name to Private College 529.

2017
Private College 529 Plan grows its number of participating colleges to 290.

2022
Private College 529 Plan introduces CollegeWell.com with expert guidance on saving and paying for college.

2023
Private College 529 celebrates 20 years and is featured in The Wall Street Journal. By July 1, the plan has over 7,500 accounts and $345 million in assets.

Board of Directors

Audrey Smith
Chair of the Board
Smith College – Emerita

Rebecca Vazquez-Skillings
Vice Chair of the Board
Howard University

Patricia Langer
Secretary and Treasurer
Macalester College

Thomas Bear
Rose-Hulman Institute
of Technology

Rakesh Dahiya
Southern Methodist University

David DeSwert
Smith College

Kim Downs-Burns
Middlebury College

F. Robert Huth, Jr.
Stetson University – Emeritus

Ed Kania
Rollins College

Jason Knoch
Princeton University

Karen Kristof
Colorado College

Ralph Kuncl
University of Redlands – Emeritus

John Latting
Emory University

Phil Levine
Wellesley College

Mary Nucciarone
University of Notre Dame

Ronne’ Patrick Turner
Washington University in St. Louis

Tim Warner
Stanford University

Lori White
DePauw University

Our 529 Plan

Protect against rising tuition

Lock in tuition at hundreds of colleges nationwide. Guaranteed prepaid tuition with no fees and no state residency requirements to save.