A Look at Bright Start 529: 529 Plan Ratings
Published April 24, 2026
Last Modified Date April 24, 2026
Looking for a 529 plan to save for your child's education? You'll probably want to know what the financial experts think. Recently, the Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan has picked up recognition from quite a few reputable publications. Let's break down what those ratings actually mean for your college savings strategy.
Recent Third-Party Accolades For Bright Start 529
Several trusted financial publications evaluate 529 plans every year. They're looking at factors like fees, investment options, performance, and how well the state oversees the plan. Here's what they had to say about Bright Start 529.
Morningstar: Gold Medalist rating1
In November 2025, Morningstar recognized Bright Start 529 with a Gold Medalist rating. That's the seventh time the plan has received a Gold-medalist rating.
A Gold rating places Bright Start 529 among the top-rated direct-sold 529 plans in Morningstar's analysis. Bright Start 529 is one of only five Gold-rated 529 plans in the country. In its review, Morningstar identified Bright Start 529 as a "Valedictorian" and noted that the plan "offers compelling investment options that are also highly cost-effective."
Kiplinger: Among the top direct-sold 529 plans2
Kiplinger recognized Bright Start 529 as among the top direct-sold 529 plans in the U.S. for 2026. They based this on Morningstar's comprehensive ratings, which evaluate overall enrollment-based performance.
The Motley Fool: Best for diverse investment options3
The Motley Fool called out Bright Start 529 as the best 529 plan for diverse investment options. What impressed them? You get access to investment portfolios from more than 10 different fund families, including big names like Vanguard and T. Rowe Price. That variety means you can customize your savings strategy based on how much risk you're comfortable with and what your goals are.
Business Insider: Top-rated 529 plan4
Business Insider featured Bright Start 529 as a top-rated plan in its 2025 roundup of the best college savings options. They evaluate plans based on fees, investment choices, and overall value for families who are saving for education.
CNBC: Best college savings plan in the nation5
CNBC put Bright Start 529 on its list of the best college savings plans in the nation. Their team compared dozens of offerings, looking at the basics like fees, expenses, and investment choices. The goal? Help families get the most from their savings.
What Independent Evaluations Can Tell You
So why do independent evaluations matter? These aren't just accolades. They're independent assessments that can help you understand whether a plan is well-managed and competitively priced. With more than 100 different 529 plans available nationwide, analyses from trusted sources can help narrow down your options.
When publications like Morningstar and Kiplinger give a plan high-marks, they're evaluating important criteria such as whether the fees are reasonable, the investment options are appropriate, and the state oversight is effective. These factors matter when you're trusting a plan with savings intended for your child's education.
Here are a few things to consider:
Low fees: Plans with lower expense ratios mean more of your contributions stay invested and have the potential to grow over time. Bright Start 529 is among the lowest-cost 529 plans in the nation. That difference may seem small, but over years of saving, lower fees can make a meaningful impact on your account balance.6
Investment options: Having a range of portfolio choices allows you to select options that match your savings timeline and risk tolerance. Whether you prefer a hands-off approach with enrollment year portfolios or want more control with individual fund options, a highly-regarded plan typically offers flexibility.
State oversight: Strong state oversight helps ensure the plan is managed in the best interest of account owners. The Illinois State Treasurer's Office oversees Bright Start 529 and has consistently worked to enhance the plan's offerings. Under current leadership, the office has negotiated fee reductions, enhanced the investment lineup, and introduced tools like the READYSAVE™ 529 mobile app to make managing accounts easier.
Making an informed choice with Bright Start 529
When you're choosing where to save for college, third-party reviews from respected financial publications can help with your research. Bright Start 529's consistent recognition is supported by its combination of low fees, diverse investment options, and solid state oversight.
