Latest / The College Savings Podcast with Fexingo: 529 Plans, Education Funding, and Student Costs
How 529 Plans Cover Lab Fees and Course Materials
In this episode of The College Savings Podcast, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprisingly common question: can 529 plan funds be used to pay for lab fees, course materials, and other required academic expenses beyond tuition and room and board? Using the example of a typical biology major's semester — from a $150 lab fee to a $400 textbook bundle — they walk through the IRS rules, what counts as a qualified expense, and how to document withdrawals to stay audit-proof. They also compare 529 plans with Coverdell accounts and scholarships, and share a practical tip for keeping receipts…
The skinny
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