J.P. Morgan Asset Management Releases 2026 College Planning Essentials as Tuition Continues to Outpace Inflation
The guide shows how early investing and 529 plans can help families manage rising college costs
NEW YORK, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- J.P. Morgan Asset Management today released its 2026 College Planning Essentials, an annual guide providing families with the latest data and strategies for saving and investing for college. The publication underscores J.P. Morgan Asset Management's commitment to equipping families with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about higher–education funding. Now in its 13th year, the guide draws on proprietary research and analysis to provide a comprehensive view of college costs, financial aid realities, and education savings strategies.
"Planning for college is one of the most important financial decisions families make, and the landscape is constantly evolving," said Tricia Scarlata, Head of Education Savings at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. "College tuition has increased 914% since 1983, far outpacing all other household expenses. With costs and student debt continuing to rise, it's more important than ever for families to make informed choices and maximize their savings."
Key findings include:
- Student loan debt has surged 343% since 2005, more than three times the pace of college costs, and nearly all recent graduates with college debt (97%) have delayed or abandoned life goals, such as buying a home or starting a family.
- At four-year, in-state public universities, costs rose 45% over the past decade, while total financial aid has increased just 11%. Families now pay 48% of college costs from income and investments, up from 38% twelve years ago.
- A majority of families (60%) do not use 529 plans, pointing to a gap in adoption. Many instead rely on cash and taxable accounts to help fund costs, and 41% reporting tapping into retirement funds to pay for college.
- 529 flexibility has expanded to allow tax-free Roth IRA rollovers, up to $35,000 lifetime per beneficiary, and broader eligible expenses across K-12, special needs, and post-secondary credentialing.
- The sooner families start investing, the more time they have to grow their college fund through long-term compounding. 83% of 529 plan users make automatic contributions from bank accounts or paychecks.
To view the 2026 College Planning Essentials, visit its dedicated website. For more information on J.P. Morgan Asset Management's education savings solutions, please visit jpmorgan.com/529.
About J.P. Morgan Asset Management Education Savings
J.P. Morgan Asset Management oversees more than $12.7 billion in 529 plan assets (as of 2/26/2026), serving more than 346,000 families nationwide (as of 12/31/2025). Since 2012, the firm has provided access to 529 investment options to support tax-advantaged college savings, and publishes education-savings insights to help inform financial advisors for client conversations. J.P. Morgan Asset Management serves as the investment manager and distributor for New York's advisor–sold 529 plan and for Nevada's direct– and advisor–sold 529 plans. Through these programs, more than 32,500 financial advisors have opened 529 accounts for over 265,740 students (as of 12/31/2025).
About J.P. Morgan Asset Management
J.P. Morgan Asset Management, with assets under management of $4.2 trillion (as of 12/31/2025), is a global leader in investment management. J.P. Morgan Asset Management's clients include institutions, retail investors and high net worth individuals in every major market throughout the world. J.P. Morgan Asset Management offers global investment management in equities, fixed income, real estate, hedge funds, private equity and liquidity. For more information: www.jpmorganassetmanagement.com.
About JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America ("U.S."), with operations worldwide. JPMorganChase had $4.4 trillion in assets and $362 billion in stockholders' equity as of December 31, 2025. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. serves as the Investment Manager. JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc. markets and distributes the Advisor-Guided Plan. JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc. is a member of FINRA.
The Program Administrators, the Program Manager and JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc., and their respective affiliates do not provide legal or tax advice. This information is provided for general educational purposes only. This is not to be considered legal or tax advice. Investors should consult with their legal or tax advisors for personalized assistance, including information regarding any specific state law requirements.
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SOURCE J.P. Morgan Asset Management