Edvest 529: Supporting More Than a Four-Year Degree

published February 23, 2026

The world of education is changing and so is the definition of "success". Today, there's no single "right" path after high school. While some students pursue four-year degrees, others find success through trade schools, technical colleges, professional certifications, or apprenticeships, pathways that can lead directly to high-demand careers.

That is where Edvest 529 stands apart from other savings vehicles. Designed for flexibility, an Edvest 529 account can support a wide range of educational paths, traditional and non-traditional alike, so families can show up for whatever future their student chooses.

More Than a College Savings Account

Many people still think of 529 plans as just-for-college savings tools. However, Edvest 529 funds can be used for so much more. Your account may be used for:

• Trade and technical schools
• Graduate and professional programs
• Registered apprenticeships
• Professional certifications and credentialing programs
• Qualified K–12 expenses (public, private, or religious schools)
• Student loan repayment¹
• Roth IRA rollovers for the beneficiary.
  • Funds rolled over to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn free from federal and Wisconsin income tax. If you are not a Wisconsin taxpayer, these withdrawals may include recapture of tax deduction and state income tax. Account Owners and Beneficiaries should consult with a qualified tax professional before rolling over funds from their 529 plan to contribute to a Roth IRA.

This flexibility can allow your plan to adapt as goals evolve, making Edvest 529 one of the most versatile education savings options available.

Supporting Hands-On and Career-Focused Learning

Across Wisconsin and the nation, students are increasingly choosing education paths that align with their interests, learning styles, and career goals.

Trade schools are launching careers in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. These programs can often be completed faster and at a lower cost than a traditional bachelor's degree. Graduate and professional programs help learners deepen their expertise in fields like law, medicine, education, and business.

Apprenticeships offer another powerful alternative. By combining classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training, apprenticeships can allow students to earn while they learn and move directly into the workforce.² Credentialing programs are also on the rise, preparing students for in-demand roles such as Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and Project Management Professionals (PMPs).³

With Edvest 529, these pathways are not just possible, they are supported.

Using Edvest 529 for Non-Traditional Education

Life doesn't always follow a straight line, and education rarely does either. Edvest 529 is built with that reality in mind.

Qualified expenses go beyond tuition at two- or four-year colleges and may include:

• Registered apprenticeships certified under the National Apprenticeship Act, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and required tools.
• Professional certifications that lead to high-demand careers, such as CDL, EMT, or PMP credentials.
• Technology and supplies needed for coursework, including computers, software, printers, and internet access.

These options ensure your savings can continue working, even if plans change, without sacrificing the tax advantages of a 529 plan.

Extra Flexibility for Families

Edvest 529 isn't just flexible in how funds are used, it's flexible in who benefits, too. If one student doesn't need all the funds, you can transfer the balance to another eligible family member, including a sibling, grandchild, or even yourself.

You may also:

• Use up to $20,000 annually per student for qualified K–12 expenses.
• Repay student loans, up to a $10,000 lifetime limit per individual.
• Roll over unused funds into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary. Funds rolled over to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn free from federal and Wisconsin income tax. If you are not a Wisconsin taxpayer, these withdrawals may include recapture of tax deduction and state income tax. Account Owners and Beneficiaries should consult with a qualified tax professional before rolling over funds from their 529 plan to contribute to a Roth IRA.

Together, these features make Edvest 529 a powerful tool for both short-term education needs and long-term financial planning.

Why Flexibility Matters

Education is no longer one-size-fits-all. Whether a student dreams of mastering a skilled trade, entering healthcare, earning a professional credential, or pursuing advanced education, Edvest 529 helps families support a range of educational paths, while reducing their need for student loan debt.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Families use Edvest 529 to plan for possibilities, not just tuition. Philip, a parent in Milwaukee, shares how flexibility shapes his family's approach:

"We are able to save for my almost 4y/o daughter's future high school and/or college expenses. Additionally, in the event we have an emergency, the funds could be used for her near-term private education. If we are lucky and do not need to fully spend the eventual savings on educational needs, we can roll over $7k annually, up to $35k, into a Roth IRA to support her retirement goals. Overall, the Edvest 529 plan is a great vehicle to save and invest in our child's future!"

Philip, G.
Milwaukee, WI

His story highlights the true value of an Edvest 529: adaptability, peace of mind, and the ability to support a child's future whatever shape it takes.

Key Takeaways:

• Edvest 529 goes beyond traditional college savings, supporting trade schools, apprenticeships, technical programs, and graduate education.
• Flexible fund usage allows families to pay for K–12 tuition, professional certifications, student loan repayment, and even roll over unused funds to a Roth IRA. Funds rolled over to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn free from federal and Wisconsin income tax. If you are not a Wisconsin taxpayer, these withdrawals may include recapture of tax deduction and state income tax. Account Owners and Beneficiaries should consult with a qualified tax professional before rolling over funds from their 529 plan to contribute to a Roth IRA.
• Adaptable planning can help support evolving education goals, from skilled trades to advanced degrees, without sacrificing tax advantages.
• Family friendly benefits can make it easy to transfer unused funds to another eligible beneficiary, ensuring savings stay in the family.
• A future ready approach can empower families to invest confidently in diverse education and career pathways, reducing reliance on student loans.

Ready to Power Their Future?

With Edvest 529, every education path counts. Whether your student chooses a skilled trade, a technical credential, or a specialized program, your savings are ready to support their journey.

Visit Edvest.com to explore how flexible savings can be. Because when it comes to education, all education paths and flexibility of use of funds are our priorities

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To learn more about Wisconsin's Edvest 529 College Savings Plan, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses see the Plan Description at Edvest.com before investing. Read it carefully. Prior to investing, check with your home state to learn if it offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds or protection from creditors for investing in its own 529 plan. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor for the Edvest 529 College Savings Plan.

This testimonial was provided by an Edvest 529 account owner(s), and no direct or indirect compensation was given in return. No material conflicts of interest exist on the part of the account owner(s) giving the testimonial, resulting from their relationship with TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. Results experienced by the account owner(s) may not be representative of the experience of another/other account owner(s), and there is no guarantee of future performance or success.

1. ¹K-12 (primary or secondary school) withdrawals are limited to $20,000 per year for K-12 qualified expenses. Student loan repayment subject to a lifetime limit of $10,000 per individual when using a 529 plan.↩
2. ²Apprenticeship programs must be registered and certified with the Secretary of Labor under the National Apprenticeship Act.↩
3. ³Withdrawals for Recognized Postsecondary Credentialing Programs—including tuition, books, equipment, supplies for the enrollment or attendance, testing fees if required to obtain or maintain a Recognized Postsecondary Credential, fees for continuing education if required to maintain an RP Credential and therapies for students with disabilities—are exempt from federal and Wisconsin income tax. If you are not a Wisconsin taxpayer, these withdrawals may include recapture of tax deduction, state income tax as well as penalties. Consult a tax professional for guidance.↩

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