Boise – Idaho’s 529 college‑savings plan marked its 25th birthday this week with a fresh name, a redesigned website, and a milestone of $1.1 billion in assets for Idaho families. The program, formerly known as the Idaho College Savings Program, is now officially the Idaho Education Savings Program and will continue to be marketed under its familiar nickname, IDeal.
Broader Use of Savings
Governor Brad Little announced the change from the Capitol steps on Aug. 28, emphasizing that the account’s tax‑exempt dollars can be used for more than just college tuition. In addition to higher‑education costs, the plan now explicitly covers private‑school tuition and homeschooling materials, giving parents greater flexibility to meet their children’s educational needs.
Record Growth in 2026
The program reported a 34 percent jump in new accounts this year, the strongest growth since its inception in 2001. Contributions and gifts to Idaho families’ 529 accounts also reached record levels, bringing total assets to $1.1 billion. Since its launch, families have withdrawn $765 million to pay for qualified education expenses.
Governor’s Remarks and Clarifications
During his remarks, Governor Little briefly referenced “Trump Accounts,” causing momentary confusion. He quickly clarified that he meant the state’s 529 accounts, not the individual retirement accounts promoted in President Donald Trump’s recent legislation. IDeal Director Dawn Hall confirmed the correction, noting that the Idaho program remains focused on education expenses, not retirement or home‑ownership savings.
Employer Participation
Sixteen Idaho companies, including Hayden Beverage Company in Boise, pledged to contribute to employees’ 529 accounts. Governor Little highlighted Hayden Beverage’s involvement, though he initially misspoke about contributions to “Trump Accounts.” The correction reinforced the program’s purpose: helping families save for education, not for unrelated financial products.
Community Celebration
To mark the anniversary, IDeal hosted a small gathering at Cecil D. Andrus Park outside the Idaho State Capitol. Staff handed out branded trinkets and pastries while signage explained the benefits of opening a 529 account. The event underscored the program’s community roots and its role in supporting Idaho families across the state.
What This Means for Idaho Families
With the new name and website, the Idaho Education Savings Program aims to make it easier for parents to understand and access tax‑free savings for a wide range of educational expenses. The record growth suggests strong demand for flexible, family‑focused financial tools that align with Idaho’s values of personal responsibility and parental choice.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
