How to enroll in BlackRock CollegeAdvantage 529 plan

Before your clients complete an application, they should read through the program materials, including the Program Description. You should also have a discussion with them about how a 529 plan fits their overall investment strategy.

Completing a new
account application

Complete each section of the New Account Application, paying special attention to the sections marked as "Required." See below for more details on each section.

Section 1
Provide us with information on the Account Owner. If you are funding the Account with a rollover from a UTMA/UGMA account, the custodian of the UTMA/UGMA must be named as the Account Owner. Please see the Program Description for more details.

Tired of all the paper? You can sign up for electronic delivery of your Account documents.

Section 2
Your Financial Advisor should complete the "Investment Dealer" section with their information. All Accounts must have a Dealer listed to be established.

Section 3
Select from multiple options to tell us how you will fund your account. The following two options require an additional form:

Section 4
Provide us with information on the Beneficiary of the Account and select your Investment Allocation. Also, if you are funding the Account through an Automatic Investment Plan, please fill out the required information.

Note: You can use this page for as many Beneficiaries as you wish with the same Owner. Simply make a copy of the page and fill out the information and allocation for each Beneficiary.

Section 5
Select your Account Servicing Options. By providing us with your Bank Information, you can make it easier to contribute to your account, set up an Automatic Investment Plan, or even direct withdrawals directly to your checking or savings account.

In addition, two options allow you to reduce your sales charges. Each are described in this section of the application, however, more information is available in the Program Description or by speaking to your financial professional.

  • Rights of Accumulation
  • Letter of Intent.

Section 6
Your signature is required in order to establish the account. Please read this section carefully before signing.

How to roll over assets

Now that your application is completed, let’s cover how to move funds from another Qualified Tuition Program, UTMA/UGMA, Coverdell Education Savings Account or qualified U.S. savings bond to your new BlackRock CollegeAdvantage 529 Plan Account.

Requesting a rollover or direct transfer:

  • Complete the Incoming Rollover/Direct Transfer Form, paying special attention to Section 2 (information about the type of rollover or transfer you are selecting). In addition to the sources listed above, you can also select a direct transfer from another Account within the CollegeAdvantage Plan. Step-by-step instructions are on the form.
  • Mail the completed New Account Application and Rollover/Direct Transfer Form to BlackRock at the address on the application.
  • We will establish your Account and request the assets from your current custodian (unless you indicate a rollover check is included).

Please be aware: a transfer will be treated as a nontaxable (for federal income tax purposes) investment reallocation of Account assets, which is allowable only twice per calendar year.

Alternatively, you may use the proceeds from a distribution or redemption from another Qualified Tuition Program, a Coverdell Education Savings Account, qualified U.S. savings bond or a UTMA/UGMA account to fund your Plan Account. This is referred to as an "Indirect Rollover.” If you take possession of the distribution proceeds from a Qualified Tuition Program, you must contribute them to the Plan within 60 days in order to avoid federal income taxes and a possible penalty on the distribution.

Note: A rollover between Qualified Tuition Programs (Direct or Indirect) can only be made once in a 12 month period without changing the Designated Beneficiary (unless the transfer is to a Member of the Family of the original Beneficiary).

If you are in receipt of a check from any of the above reference plans, and wish to make Indirect Rollover of these assets to the BlackRock CollegeAdvantage 529 Plan, you would complete Section 2B of the form.

Questions? Call us at 866-529-8582 and we'll help you through the process.

View additional 529 forms and applications.

Investment options

Your investment strategy should match your college savings goals. BlackRock CollegeAdvantage offers numerous investment options, allowing you to choose the one(s) that best fits your needs.

Full list of investment options