‘One Big, Beautiful Bill Act’ provides Future Scholar families even more flexibility for a lifetime of learning
By State Treasurer Curtis Loftis
I’m happy to share that recent passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act spells good news for families like yours who have chosen to save for your child’s education with South Carolina’s Future Scholar 529 Plan. The new legislation expands qualified uses for your 529 funds, providing even greater flexibility. For Future Scholar account owners, it makes an already exceptional plan even more beneficial, allowing you to use your funds to give your child a lifetime of learning.
New K-12 uses approved
In 2017, Congress passed changes that allowed the use of 529 funds for up to $10,000 in tuition per year at K-12 private, public and religious schools. With the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, additional K-12 expenses for students enrolled at a K-12 private, public and religious school are now qualified withdrawals from a 529 account. This means funds in a Future Scholar 529 account can now be used to pay for things like curriculum, books, online educational materials, tutoring or supplemental educational classes that are available outside the home, fees for nationally standardized tests (SAT, ACT, AP, etc.) and dual-enrollment fees for college courses taken in high school.
The legislation also increases the annual withdrawal limit for qualified K-12 expenses from $10,000 to $20,000 per year beginning in 2026.
In addition, educational therapies for students with disabilities are also included as a qualified withdrawal. For these families who often face significant expenses, the flexibility to use tax-advantaged savings could be a gamechanger, opening up more options for family finances.
Expanded coverage for career preparation and certifications
Many young people have recently shown an increased interest in pursuing skilled trade professions that don’t require a traditional four-year college degree. These students now have a variety of education choices for their 529 funds. In addition to existing qualified expenses like tuition at community, trade and vocational schools, as well as registered apprenticeship programs, the new law considers a wide range of expenses related to workforce credentials. New career-focused qualified expenses cover associated fees, books, supplies, and required exam costs for programs that appear on a state or federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act list and the Veteran Affairs’ WEAM database (which verifies if a school or program is eligible for VA benefits).
Students can also use funds to prepare for an industry-recognized credential or licensing exam. Continuing-education fees required to keep a credential active will qualify, too. And the benefit goes beyond tradespeople. Attorneys, accountants, cosmetologists, engineers, healthcare professionals and many others can use 529 funds to keep their credentials active.
Future Scholar for a lifetime of learning
Over the years, Future Scholar has helped thousands of families save for college. Now, under the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, Future Scholar account owners like you have even greater flexibility to use your savings - no matter which path to future success your child chooses. With your Future Scholar 529 account, you can help your child enjoy a lifetime of learning from K-12 to post graduate and professional certifications.
You can be proud you’ve made the important commitment to provide for your loved ones’ education. Thank you for choosing Future Scholar to help you meet your savings goals.
