529 College Savings Plan

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help families save for future education costs. Account holders can use these funds to pay for eligible SJSU charges. For more background information on how 529 plans work, visit the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website.

Two Ways to Use Your 529 Plan funds at SJSU

  1. Online Payment
    1. Check for Illumia Partnership: Verify that the plan provider has partnered with Illumia. Illumia is SJSU's official campus payment system.
    2. Pay Directly: If listed, select 529 Plan as your payment method at checkout. For step-by-step instructions, see our How to Pay Online [pdf] guide.
    3. Alternative Electronic Options: If your provider is not on the Illumia list, contact them directly to request an ACH (direct bank) transfer to SJSU. 

  2. Paper Check

if your provider cannot send funds online via Illumia or ACH, they must mail a paper check to SJSU.

    1. Student Responsibility: You and your 529 account holder are responsible for requesting the payment through your provider.
    2. Timeline: Initiate paper check requests two to three weeks before the payment deadline to allow sufficient time for mailing and processing.
    3. Mailing Instructions: Follow our standard Paper Check Payment Procedures below.

Send your check by mail using the address below or drop off your check payment in the night depository located on the right-hand side of the front entrance of the Student Services Center (under the scrolling electronic sign).

Make the check is payable to San José State University or SJSU. Student’s SJSU ID number must be on the face of the check. Mail checks to:

San José State University | Bursar's Office
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0138

 

Important Information for Check Payments

  • Write Your SJSU ID: Always write the student's SJSU ID number on the front of the check.

  • Strict Deadlines: Checks must be received in our office by the payment due date (postmarks do not count). Unpaid balances may lead to immediate enrollment cancellation.

  • Electronic Processing: Personal checks are converted to electronic debits and will not be returned. The charge will show as an electronic debit on your bank statement.

  • Automatic Re-clearing: SJSU cannot control whether a bank attempts to process a failed check a second time.

  • Returned Check Fees and Risks: If a check is rejected by your bank:

    • Your classes may be cancelled without prior notice.

    • Fees apply: $25 for the first returned check, $35 for each additional occurrence, plus potential administrative fees.