25-04-2025
Oklahoma's 529 College Savings Plan celebrates 25th anniversary
For 25 years, Oklahoma families have been using Oklahoma 529 to save for their children's education. As we celebrate this milestone in April — designated as Oklahoma 529 Awareness Month by a proclamation from the governor — there has never been a better time to start saving for your loved one's future.
A quality education can open doors to opportunity, and Oklahoma 529 helps make saving for education simple, affordable and effective. Whether planning for college, technical school or even K-12 tuition, Oklahoma 529 offers tax advantages and low costs, potentially helping families maximize their savings.
One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been Oklahoma 529's commitment to reducing fees. In 2021, we announced a 20% reduction in management fees, saving families more than $500,000 annually. In 2024, we took it even further by cutting fees in half — putting over $1 million back into the pockets of Oklahoma families. Additionally, Oklahoma 529 has no administrative fees, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to save for education. It's no surprise that Morningstar™ analysts have consistently rated Oklahoma 529 as a top-tier plan for the past five years.
Oklahoma 529 also has evolved to meet the changing needs of families. In 2021, with the passage of HB 1962, Oklahoma 529 conformed with new federal guidelines, expanding the list of eligible education expenses beyond just college tuition. Then, in 2022, we updated our name from the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan to simply Oklahoma 529, reflecting the broader range of educational opportunities the plan can support.
To mark our 25th anniversary, we are excited to launch the Oklahoma 529 25-Year Celebration Sweepstakes. Each month in April, May and June, one lucky winner will receive $529 to help jump-start their education savings. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles — anyone looking to give a child the gift of education — should take advantage of this opportunity.
The message is clear: Saving for education is within reach. With Oklahoma 529, even small, regular contributions can add up significantly over time, helping to provide a strong foundation for a student's education.
If you haven't yet started an Oklahoma 529 account, now may be the perfect time. Join thousands of Oklahoma families who have already discovered how easy and rewarding it is to save for education. Go to to learn more and enter the 25-Year Celebration Sweepstakes today.
Todd Russ is Oklahoma's state treasurer
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: State college savings plan is easy and cost-effective | Opinion
