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Colorado 529 plans
Colorado residents receive outstanding state plan benefits.
Learn about state tax benefits ↓Colorado residents receive outstanding state plan benefits.
Learn about state tax benefits ↓Featured 529 plans for Colorado residents:
FDIC-Insured or Stable Value Plan
State tax deduction or credit
Contributions to a Colorado 529 plan, to the extent of the contributor's federal taxable income, are deductible in computing Colorado taxable income. This calculator does not consider the potential added benefit of the state's matching grant program for lower- to middle-income Colorado residents of up to $400.
Which 529 plans does Colorado offer?
Colorado offers three direct-sold 529 college savings plans and one advisor-sold 529 program. The largest direct-sold Colorado 529 plan is the Direct Portfolio College Savings Plan, managed by Ascensus College Savings, which utilizes Vanguard mutual funds. The Stable Value Plus College Savings Program offers a stable-value investment through Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, and the Smart Choice College Savings Plan offers two FDIC-insured options through FirstBank. The Scholars Choice College Savings Program is managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. and is sold through financial advisors. Colorado’s prepaid 529 program, the Prepaid Tuition Fund, closed and liquidated all assets in November 2013.
First Step by CollegeInvest is a program that gives every child born or adopted in the State of Colorado on or after January 1, 2020, a FREE $100 contribution to their CollegeInvest 529 college savings account. Everyone who claims a First Step award will also have a portion of their future contributions matched. There is also a separate Matching Grant Program for lower- to middle-income families. The details of these matches will be posted each year on the CollegeInvest website (www.collegeinvest.org).
Direct sold 529 plans
"Do-it-yourself" type plans in which the saver enrolls and sets up the initial investment. Fortunately most 529 plans make this simple! You'll pay no sales charges beyond fund and administrative fees.
Our rating
4 / 5
Special award
FDIC-Insured or Stable Value Plan
FDIC-Insured or Stable Value Plan
Advisor sold 529 plans
Plans offered by investment professionals. You'll gain the guidance of a financial advisor, but will incur sales charges and/or fees as you invest.
Our rating
4 / 5
Special award
ABLE Plans
529 ABLE accounts let Americans with disabilities save tax-deferred for education and other expenses without impacting eligibility for public benefits.
ABLE Plan
The Colorado ABLE Program is established under the state's ABLE legislation and Section 529A and implemented by CollegeInvest, a not-for-profit division within the Colorado Department of Higher Education. It allows an account owner to save for qualified disability expenses without disqualification from federal benefits.
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