Iowa Educational Savings Plan Trust

Kids Share Their Thoughts about Careers, Education and Fair Favorites with Treasurer Smith

August 14, 2025

Father and son on a ride at the Iowa State Fair.

Children attending this year’s Iowa State Fair have been sharing their thoughts about future careers, education and their favorite fair activities with State Treasurer Roby Smith in the ISave 529 booth, in the Varied Industries Building. 

The up-to-date results of the nonscientific survey are below along with a statement from Treasurer Roby Smith:

“Whether their dream is to become a doctor, farmer, veterinarian or police officer, 80 percent of our youngest fairgoers say they’ll need education beyond high school to reach their goals. More importantly, more than half surveyed estimate their future educational dreams could cost as much as $100,000. Today, I’m encouraging all Iowans and fairgoers to learn more about ISave 529 and open an account in just 10 minutes and $25 for a child in their life.”
 

Question 1: What do you want to be when you grow up?

Professional Athlete

19%

Teacher

16%

Artist

15%

Veterinarian

13%

Farmer

10%

Police Officer

10%

Scientist

9%

Doctor or Nurse

8%

Question 2: Do you need to go to college for this?

Yes

80%

No

20%

Question 3: How much do you think college costs?

$1

2%

$10

2%

$100

9%

$1,000

19%

$100,000

56%

$1 million

12%

Question 4: What is your favorite thing at the fair?

Rides

24%

Animals

21%

Food

20%

Big Slide

18%

Sky Glide

12%

Butter Cow

5%

Connect with ISave 529 on FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn to stay informed of updates and news.

More about ISave 529:

ISave 529 is Iowa’s direct-sold 529 plan administered by State Treasurer Roby Smith. With the plan people can save for future educational expenses for themselves, children, grandchildren or more and Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $5,800 in contributions per beneficiary account from their state income taxes in 2025. An ISave 529 account can be opened with as little as $25, and anyone – parents, grandparents, even friends – can contribute. The plan offers a variety of investment options and is easy to manage online at ISave529.com or through the READYSAVE 529 app.

To learn how you can open an ISave 529 account, visit ISave529.com. For more information about the plan, read the Program Description.

Photo Credit: Iowa State Fair

« Back

© 2026 Iowa Educational Savings Plan Trust. All rights reserved.