There doesn't seem to be a particular advantage to us opening a Ca-specific 529 *unless* we were to open one for Holly which would accrue over many years. In that case, we could reap tax deductions for any earnings from the investments (not the contributions, unfortunately). If you open a 529 account, we (or the grandparents) could contribute to that 529. It looks like you could get a small tax advantage (see https://vheip.org/faq/index.shtml ). If you were to open one for Holly, the tax advantages could be worthwhile over the many years.