Because a 529 plan's assets are
considered parental assets, a 529 will have a less negative impact on a student's financial aid award than money kept in other types of checking and / or savings accounts.
But, because 529 savings plan assets are
considered parental assets, they are factored into federal financial aid formulas at a maximum rate of about 5.6 %.
These assets are
considered parental assets and are factored into federal financial aid formulas at a maximum rate of about 5.6 % versus the 20 % rate that is assessed on student assets.
For college - financial aid purposes, the plans are typically
considered a parental asset, which means their impact on aid eligibility is far less than if they were deemed the student's asset.