Funding a Grandchild's College Education

Abstract

This article considers various techniques that grandparents might use in helping fund their grandchildren's college education. The techniques analyzed include outright gifts, college savings bonds (both state and federal), prepaid tuition plans, so-called section 529 college savings plans, and education IRAs. Each technique is analyzed from the following perspectives: income taxation, gift and estate taxes, control over the funds, eligibility implications for Medicaid long-term care benefits, and impact on needs-based financial aid.