You're attending a community college this coming year and you will only be going part-time, can you still use your 529 Plan money to pay tuition? Money from the account can be spent at any university, college, post secondary educational institution or vocational school that is associated with the U.S. Department of Education's student aid program. Even some colleges outside of the U.S. are eligible. You can check the Department of Education’s federal school code database, or ask the school if it is eligible.
529 Plan Non-Tuition Expenses
You can be a full or part-time student and use you 529 plan money for any tuition, fees, and required books and supplies. Not only that but you can also spend your money to purchase a computer, printer, scanner, related equipment and software, and Internet access. Requirements are that the computer and related equipment be use primarily by the 529 beneficiary.
Room and Board
If you plan on using your 529 plan money for room and board you will have to follow guidelines that the college says is the allowance for room and board included in the cost of attendance for federal financial aid purposes. As long as the student is at least a half-time student according to the college, then they can use 529 plan money to pay this expense. Check with your college for these specific details which are different for every college. You can usually find that figure on the college’s website, or you can get it from the financial aid office.