As life unfolds, their college savings can grow.
From their earliest experiences to their latest discoveries, you can save for your child's bright future with a Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan.
Questions? Call us: 877.432.7444
For hearing-impaired individuals: Please call the above number through a relay service. Translation services are available upon request.
Designed for College Savings
Today, saving for higher education is more important than ever, as future job opportunities increasingly require higher levels of education, whether at universities, technical schools, or community colleges.
Sponsored by the State of Illinois, Bright Start 529 is designed for higher education savings. It has been helping families achieve their college savings goals since 2000.
A Bright Start 529 account offers multiple ways your money can grow.
Unique triple tax advantages can help you keep more of your savings:
- Illinois taxpayers can reduce their state taxable income by up to $20,000 annually when married and filing jointly or up to $10,000 for an individual.1
- Any earnings grow tax-deferred.
- 100% tax-free withdrawals for qualified higher education expenses.2
The ability to accumulate more savings over time:
- Through compound earnings—earning returns on your original investment and any earnings received.
- Easy-to-use tools allow you to invite family and friends to contribute toward your child’s college savings.
Questions? Schedule an appointment with a college savings consultant.
Does it help to start now?
Yes! When saving for college, time can work in your favor. The sooner you start, the more time and flexibility you have to contribute to your college savings.
Open a Bright Start 529 account with any dollar amount and have complete control over how and when you save. Whether you make small or large contributions, the flexibility is yours. You can also set up automatic contributions or payroll direct deposit of any amount on a schedule that works for you.
Questions? Call us: 877.432.7444
For hearing-impaired individuals: Please call the above number through a relay service. Translation services are available upon request.
Get started!
Step 1
Learn more about the Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan.
Explore the benefits that make Bright Start 529 a plan designed to help families save, and get more details on how the account works.
Flexibility and options for your college savings goals
Recognized by outlets such as Morningstar, Time, Forbes, and Business Insider as one of the best 529 plans in the country, Bright Start 529 offers flexibility to pay for a variety of qualified higher education expenses and a wide range of investment options.3
Pay for a Variety of Expenses
- Tuition and fees, computers, books, supplies, housing and food (if enrolled at least half-time), and other qualified higher educational expenses.4
- Funds can be used at eligible institutions nationwide and abroad, including private and public four-year colleges, technical and vocational schools, community colleges, and professional schools.4
Variety of Investment Portfolios
- Professionally managed investment portfolios for all types of investors with different risk tolerance and college savings goals.
- Whether you’re a new or experienced investor, prefer to be hands-on, or would rather “set up contributions and forget it,” there’s a plan for you!
Ugift® Program5
- Your friends and family can easily contribute to your loved one’s Bright Start 529 account during special occasions like birthdays, turning their monetary gifts into savings for future college expenses.
Questions? Call us: 877.432.7444
For hearing-impaired individuals: Please call the above number through a relay service. Translation services are available upon request.