text: is a roth a good way to save for a child's college?   the roth is another good choice for college education. it gives you a bit more flexibility if your child does not go to college or if he or she gets a scholarship. the only downside to using a roth is losing the tax advantages. you will have to pay ordinary imcome tax on any earnings. i would recommend using the roth exclusively until you can at least max it out. when you get to that point use the 529. i am an advisor and even the wholesalers that come to talk recommend the roth over the 529 if you cant fund it significantly.  extra info:  the roth was created for retirment planning however it does offer penalty free withdrawals for qualified education expenses. investments will grow tax deferred just like 529 but will be taxable when withdrawn if used for school.