What’s a Select Account?
NextGen 529 Client Select Series Accounts offer the widest array of investment options. Sold through financial advisors, Select Accounts are ideal for people who want a customized college savings plan. Click here for a list of participating advisors and investment firms.
And like all 529 accounts, unused funds can be used in several ways, including rolled into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, subject to certain limitations.. It’s a smart way to keep your savings working for the future.
Select Account Investment Options
80 investment options, including 78 investment options managed by one of BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, Lord Abbett, NYLI, MFS or Neuberger Berman, as well as the Principal Plus Portfolio and the NextGen Savings Portfolio:
- 4 Suites of Year of Enrollment Portfolios
- 11 Diversified Portfolios
- 25 Single Fund Portfolios
- 1 Principal Plus Portfolio
- 1 NextGen Savings Portfolio
PRINCIPAL PLUS PORTFOLIO RATE: Blended rate1 of 3.71% as of July 1, 2025.
NEXTGEN SAVINGS PORTFOLIO RATE: 4.32% as of July 1, 2025.
The Principal Plus Portfolio is currently invested in two Funding Agreements issued by the New York Life Insurance Company that provide for deposits to a Guaranteed Interest Account (GIA). The New York Life GIA offers a variable interest rate that is reset semi-annually. For the period July 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, the annualized net interest rate is 4.90% and 2.90% respectively for the two Funding Agreements. As of July 1, 2025, the approximate weighted average blended rate1 of both Funding Agreements is 3.71%.
BlackRock Investments, LLC no longer serves as distributor and underwriter for Units of the Client Direct Series of NextGen 529. As of July 1, 2024, Northern Lights Distributors, LLC replaced BlackRock Investments, LLC in such capacity.
1The blended rate is subject to change daily and depends upon the asset levels in each funding agreement.
Select Account Fees and Charges
| Range of Total Annual Asset-Based Fees* | |
|---|---|
| Client Select Series – A Unit Class | 0.00% – 1.29% |
| Client Select Series – C Unit Class | 0.00% – 2.04% |
| Client Select Series – I Unit Class | 0.00% – 1.04% |
Fees and charges are different for each investment option. Total Annual Asset-Based Fees, which include program fees and underlying fund expenses, vary based on the portfolio option selected.
- Other fees and charges may apply.
- Sales charges may apply to purchases and to certain withdrawals.
- Underlying Fund expenses are subject to change, affecting Total Annual Asset-Based Fees.
For complete information regarding Program Fees and underlying fund expenses, review the Select Series Program Description.
Select Account Performance
Like any investment, performance can rise or fall. For more information about the past performance of each investment option, get the Select Series performance chart.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Select Account Help
Contact your financial advisor or the NextGen 529 call center for help with your account.
The instructions below are for Select Account owners who receive their statements from Vestwell.
- Contact the NextGen 529 call center at 1-833-33-NG529 (1-833-336-4529).
- Looking for an account servicing form? Visit the NextGen 529 Select Forms page.
- Manage your account at ActiveInvestor
- Your financial advisor can also help with common 529 or NextGen 529 questions.
If you have a NextGen 529 Select Account and work with a Merrill advisor, contact your advisor for help with your account, or use the MyMerrill® online platform and mobile app.
Resources for Financial Advisors
Whether you want to find out how to sell NextGen 529, or learn about investment performance and enrollment options, our Resources for Advisors page can help!
GRANTS FOR MAINE RESIDENTS
It’s Good to Be a Mainer
There’s grant money available for Maine residents. These grant programs can really boost your savings.1
$500 Alfond Grant for Maine Babies
$100 Initial Matching Grant
$100 Automated Funding Grant
30% NextStep Matching Grant
1Grants for Maine Residents are linked to eligible Maine accounts. An Alfond Grant recipient is eligible to receive the $100 Initial Matching Grant if the minimum required initial contribution is made before the beneficiary’s first birthday. Upon withdrawal, grants are paid only to institutions of higher education. See Terms and Conditions of Maine Grant Programs for other conditions and restrictions that apply. Grants may lose value.
2The Alfond Grant is not automatic in all circumstances and is also available in limited other circumstances. The use of the Alfond Grant is also subject to certain restrictions – see Alfond Grant Guidelines.
Ready to Open a Select Account?
Here’s a list of participating advisors and investment firms.
Select Financial Advisors X
