The ScholarShare College Savings Plan, managed by Fidelity Investments, is California's 529 college plan. Earnings grow tax-deferred, and distributions for qualified higher education expenses are tax-free.

UCSD employees can make automatic payroll deductions, and the money can be used at accredited colleges, vocational-technical schools, and eligible foreign institutions.

Benefits of the ScholarShare plan include:

• Earnings on after-tax contributions grow tax-deferred
• No federal or state taxes on qualified distributions
• Wide range of investment options
• High contribution limits

Investment options:

• Age-based portfolio or custom investments
• Actively managed funds or index funds

Fidelity links:

• 529 fact sheet
• Enroll online or request an enrollment kit
• UC payroll deduction form (PDF)

Need an expert? Contact your Benefits representative.