When saving or spending for education — especially through tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans or Coverdell ESAs — knowing what counts as a qualified education expense can make a big difference. While most people think of tuition, books, and room and board, fewer realize just how many technology products and services are also eligible.

Here’s a breakdown of tech products and digital tools that typically qualify, along with how they support a student’s learning.

🎒 Computers & Accessories

1. Laptops and Desktops
   ✅ Qualified
   If the student is enrolled at an eligible institution, purchasing a computer is considered a qualified education expense — so long as it’s primarily used by the student during their enrollment.

2. Tablets
   ✅ Qualified
   Like laptops, tablets such as iPads or Surfaces are covered when they’re used for coursework, research, or note-taking.

3. Monitors, Keyboards, and Mice
   ✅ Qualified
   Accessories needed to operate your computer or enhance usability (like an external monitor or ergonomic keyboard) are eligible when necessary for education.

4. Printers & Ink
   ✅ Qualified
   Printing assignments, readings, or applications? You can include your printer and even ink or toner in your education expense claims.

🎧 Audio & Video Essentials

5. Headphones / Headsets
✅ Qualified
With online classes, noisy dorms, and Zoom study sessions, quality headphones are now essential for learning environments. Shop Headphones

6. Webcams
✅ Qualified
Some laptops don’t come with a built-in webcam, or students need higher video quality for presentations — this counts. Shop Webcams

🌐 Connectivity & Storage

7. Internet Service
✅ Qualified (Partially)
If internet access is required for enrollment or attendance, a portion of your internet service may be considered a qualified expense. Keep receipts and consider what percentage is for educational use.

8. USB Drives / External Hard Drives
✅ Qualified
Backing up schoolwork and large files like video projects? Storage devices are eligible as long as they’re used for academic purposes.

🧠 Learning Tools & Software

9. Educational Software
✅ Qualified
From coding programs to math learning tools to productivity suites like Microsoft Office, software that’s required or useful for coursework counts.

10. Calculators
✅ Qualified
Graphing calculators are frequently required in high school and college math and science courses. These purchases are considered educational expenses.

11. Screen Readers & Assistive Tech
✅ Qualified
Accessibility tools like screen readers, speech-to-text software, or specialized input devices qualify — especially when needed to support a student’s learning.

What’s not covered:

• Gaming systems

• Phones

• Streaming subscriptions (unless they’re required for coursework)

Pro Tip: When in doubt, keep a copy of the syllabus or school tech policy that lists your purchase as a requirement.

🧾 A Few Quick Reminders

• Documentation is key. Always keep receipts and proof of enrollment.

• Use matters. The product must be used primarily by the student during the time of enrollment.

• Double-check with your plan. Some 529 administrators may have specific guidance — call or check their site before making large purchases.

Final Thoughts

Technology is no longer a luxury — it’s an essential part of modern education. Thankfully, tax-advantaged savings plans recognize this. Whether you’re outfitting a student dorm, upgrading for online classes, or setting up assistive technology, you can often do so while staying within the rules.

Make sure you’re making the most of your education savings — and giving students the tools they need to succeed.

Explore our full store listing to discover tech products that qualify as qualified education expenses.

This post is part of our series, “What Are Qualified Education Expenses? A Family Guide to Smarter Spending.” Continue to explore more of the series.