Can a 529 plan be used to pay for UC Santa Cruz room and board?

By CollegeHousing.ai · Sources checked · 2026-27

DIRECT ANSWER

Generally yes, if the student meets the IRS enrollment rules and the amount claimed stays within the qualified room-and-board limit.

IRS Publication 970 treats room and board as a qualified 529/QTP expense for an eligible student enrolled at least half time, subject to the federal limit based on the school's cost-of-attendance allowance or actual school-owned housing charge. Families should retain UCSC billing records and apply the IRS limit to the student's situation.

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