non-family plans, which can have only one beneficiary.  The subscriber is not governed by a payment schedule, but can make payments as desired, up to the annual limits.  The beneficiary does not have to be related by blood or adoption to the subscriber.  These plans can be self-directed plans with a financial institution.

family plans, which can have one or more beneficiaries, all of whom must be connected by blood or adoption to the subscriber.  The subscriber is not governed by a payment schedule, but can make payments as desired, up to the annual limits.

group plans, which are usually offered by scholarship plan dealers.  There are normally fixed payment schedules and higher fees associated with these plans.  They are often restricted to investing in low-risk securities, which historically have a lower return on investment.