Et cetera : Kids Share Thoughts about Careers, Education and Fair Favorites with Treas.Smith

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 Facebook, Instagram 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