" Putting enough in to be worthwhile at an out of state private institution runs the risk of putting in too much to be useful for an in-state public school, etc

" Putting enough in to be worthwhile at an out of state private institution runs the risk of putting in too much to be useful for an in-state public school, etc..." This is untrue in most state's 529 plans. In NY for example, you can spend the funds on any U.S or overseas eligible postsecondary school.