Changes coming to Kansas educational savings plans lower costs, increase options

February 3, 2026 - 03:39

Substantial improvements are coming to Kansas’s Learning Quest 529 education savings plans, promising a better financial experience for families investing for future college and trade school costs. Starting in March, participants will benefit from reduced program management fees and an expanded, streamlined menu of investment portfolios.

The overhaul introduces new age-based portfolio options that automatically adjust risk as a student nears college, alongside a suite of static multi-fund choices. These changes are designed to offer greater flexibility and simplicity for account holders. Critically, the lowered fees mean more of a family’s contributions will go directly toward growing their educational nest egg, rather than covering administrative costs.

State officials emphasize that these updates aim to make saving for education more accessible and efficient for Kansans. The Learning Quest program, a key tool for combating rising education expenses, allows investments to grow tax-free, with withdrawals also free from state and federal taxes when used for qualified educational expenses. Existing accounts will be automatically transitioned to the new, improved structure, requiring no action from current participants.