Can a 529 plan pay for K-12 tuition, apprenticeships, or student loan repayment?

Yes, federal law has broadened 529 uses well beyond traditional college. You can use up to $10,000 per year, per beneficiary, for K-12 tuition at public, private, or religious schools, and up to a $10,000 lifetime limit to repay qualified student loans for the beneficiary (and another $10,000 for each of their siblings). Registered apprenticeship program costs, including fees, books, and required equipment, also qualify. Some newer expansions cover certain postsecondary credentialing and certification costs too. One caution: not every state conforms to all federal uses, so a K-12 or loan-repayment withdrawal that is federally qualified could still trigger state tax recapture in your state. Confirm your specific plan's rules before withdrawing.