J.P. Morgan Asset Management Releases 2026 College Planning Essentials

Tuition Continues to Outpace Inflation as Student Loan Debt Surges

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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J.P. Morgan Asset Management has released its 2026 College Planning Essentials, an annual guide providing families with the latest data and strategies for saving and investing for college. The guide highlights the growing challenges of rising college costs and student debt, underscoring the importance of early planning and 529 plans to help families manage these escalating expenses.

Why it matters

College tuition has increased 914% since 1983, far outpacing other household expenses. With costs and student debt continuing to rise, it's critical for families to make informed choices and maximize their savings to ensure access to higher education.

The details

Key findings from the guide include: student loan debt has surged 343% since 2005, more than three times the pace of college costs; at four-year, in-state public universities, costs rose 45% over the past decade while financial aid increased just 11%; and a majority of families (60%) do not use 529 plans, instead relying on cash, taxable accounts, and retirement funds to pay for college. The guide highlights how 529 plans have expanded flexibility to allow tax-free Roth IRA rollovers and cover a broader range of eligible expenses.

  • The 2026 College Planning Essentials guide was released on March 12, 2026.

The players

J.P. Morgan Asset Management

A global leader in investment management, overseeing more than $12.7 billion in 529 plan assets and serving over 346,000 families nationwide.

Tricia Scarlata

Head of Education Savings at J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

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What they’re saying

“Planning for college is one of the most important financial decisions families make, and the landscape is constantly evolving.”

— Tricia Scarlata, Head of Education Savings (J.P. Morgan Asset Management)

What’s next

The 2026 College Planning Essentials guide is available on the dedicated website, and families can learn more about J.P. Morgan Asset Management's education savings solutions on the firm's website.

The takeaway

With college costs and student debt continuing to rise at an alarming rate, the 2026 College Planning Essentials guide underscores the critical importance of early planning and leveraging tax-advantaged 529 plans to help families manage these escalating expenses and ensure access to higher education.