Delaware 529 Plan And College Savings Options

Delaware has a 529 plan called the Delaware College Investment Plan that can help you save for college. Delaware also has a 529 Able Plan as well.

If you live in Delaware, these might be good options for you to save for college. 

These programs are designed to help make college more affordable - so that you can get the education you need. By saving for college early on, you can make paying for college easier down the road.

If you're not quite sure how 529 plans work, check out this starter guide to What Is a 529 Plan?

There is also a specific order of operations to save for college that we recommend families follow. These programs are specific to the State of Delaware. Each state has different rules when it comes to 529 plan savings. Here are the Delaware 529 plan rules.

Average Cost Of College In Delaware

When saving for college in Delaware, it's important to take into consideration the cost of attendance in the state. If you choose to go to an out-of-state school, you need to look at the average cost of attendance in that state.

There are 19 colleges and universities in the State of Delaware.

The total average cost of college (Cost of Attendance) in Delaware for in-state residents is $21,778 for 2023. This includes tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses.  

For just tuition alone, the average undergraduate tuition for in-state residents is $6,675 for 2023. The cost of tuition in Delaware has been relatively flat.

See how this compares to the average cost of college here. Keep in mind the average student loan debt by graduating class here.

Delaware 529 Plan Tax Information

Tax savings is one of the big benefits of using a 529 plan to save for college. On a federal-level, there is no tax savings for contributions, but qualified distributions are tax-free. 

Here are the special tax benefits and considerations for using a 529 plan in Delaware.

Contributions

Starting in 2023, Delaware will provide a $1,000 tax deduction for single filers, and a $2,000 tax deduction for joint filers for individuals making less than $100,000 per year ($200,000 per year for joint filers). 

Minimum: There is no minimum contribution.

Maximum: Accepts contributions until all account balances for the same beneficiary reach $350,000.

Rollovers

Rollovers follow federal tax treatment.

Qualified Distributions

Qualified distributions from a Delaware or non-Delaware 529 plan are tax-free. 

K-12 Education

Delaware does not conform with Federal law in regard to using a 529 plan for K-12 tuition. See this guide: Using a 529 Plan For Elementary and High School Private Education.

Student Loans

Delaware does not conform with Federal law for using a 529 plan for student loans.

Rollover To Roth IRA

Delaware does not allow the rollover to a Roth IRA up to $35,000. Learn more about the 529 plan to Roth IRA rollover here.

Non-Qualified Distributions Taxes, Penalties, Recapture

A non-qualified withdrawal from a Delaware 529 plan is subject to state taxes on any earnings.

Delaware 529 College Savings Plan Options

Delware has one 529 plan option. They also have an old pre-paid tuition program that is no longer taking new enrollment.

Delaware College Investment Plan

The Delaware College Investment Plan is the name of Delaware's 529 Plan. This plan offers a variety of investment options, including age-based portfolios that become more conservative as the child approaches college, and static investment fund options.

The funds offered include Fidelity.

Check out the Delaware College Investment Plan here >>

Fees:

There is a program management fee of 0.09% to 0.14%.

The underlying funds all charge expense ratios from 0.05% to 0.95% depending on the investment option.

Who Should Use It:

We are neutral to this plan. If you're happy with ease of use and funds, go for it. Otherwise, you might find a tool and plan provided through a service like CollgeBacker is easier to use.

Delaware 529 Able Plan Options

529A Able accounts are accounts designed to help those with disabilities escape poverty and save for themselves. Learn more about 529A Able Plans here. 

DEPENDABLE

The DEPENDABLE Plan is a 529A plan open to all residents in Delaware is offered through the national ABLE alliance.

This plan allows contributions of up to $18,000 per year from all sources.

It does have a minimum initial contribution amount of $25 per account. The minimum subsequent contribution amount is $25.

The plan does have an account maintenance fee of $60 annually, assessed at $15 per quarter. It also has a program management fee of 0.32%.

You can open a DEPENDABLE Plan here.

Other Programs To Save For College

A 529 plan is one way to save for college. Remember, we have a full guide on our approach to college savings here - and it helps you find other options.

If you're looking for ways to boost your college savings, check this out:

Backer

Backer is one of our favorite ways to save for college because they make gifting for college so easy. You can setup an account, link your 529 plan (in most states), and get a unique URL that you can share with friends and family to save for your children's college.

Plus, they have Backer Bucks, which allow you to earn rewards and rebates for the shopping you already do - directly deposited into your children's 529 plan.

Check out Backer here >>

Upromise

Upromise is another awesome tool to help you save for college because they have a lot of ways that you can earn money for your 529 plan. You can get rebates and rewards, and you can get cash back into your child's 529 plan by using the Upromise credit card.

Check out Upromise here >>

Delaware Financial Aid

Using a 529 plan isn't the only way to save money for college. Each state typically offers a variety of financial aid programs for their residents. These include scholarships and grants, and sometimes unique forgivable student loan opportunities.

Check out the list of Delaware Student Loan and Financial Aid Programs.

Return to the full list of 529 Plans By State.