Illinois’ only direct-sold 529 college savings plan

Bright Start 529 is Illinois’ highly rated 529 plan helping families across the country save for higher education since 2000.

Feel good about saving with the Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan

As Illinois State Treasurer, I'm the Trustee and Administrator of the Illinois 529 College Savings Plans. My goal is to ensure that Bright Start 529 is the best college savings plan in the nation by providing savers with the highest quality investment lineup at the lowest possible cost. I was the first in my family to go to college and I understand how expensive a college education can be. Saving for college is a personal passion of mine and I use Bright Start to save for my daughter and twin boys. I'm committed to offering a plan that is accessible, flexible, and affordable for all families in Illinois and across the nation.

—Treasurer Frerichs
Treasurer Frerichs

Designed for families like yours

Bright Start 529 is designed for all families and is trusted by many across the country.

Helping families save for higher education for more than 24 years

Helping families save more than $11.9 billion for over 396,800 students (as of 6/30/24)1

Over $5.45 billion has been used to pay for higher education expenses (as of 6/30/24)1

Administered by the Office of the llinois State Treasurer and professionally managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc.

A highly rated option to save for college

Bright Start 529 has:

  1. Been recognized by Morningstar as one of the best college savings plans in the country.2
  2. Earned SavingForCollege.com's highest 5-Cap Rating for residents and 4½-Cap Rating for non-residents.3
  3. Made the "Best 529 Plans of 2024" list by Business Insider, Forbes Advisor and Time Magazine.4
  4. Helped Illinois taxpayers save with one of the highest state income tax deductions in the nation.5

A well–constructed plan, bolstered state resources, and attractive fees continue to support a Morningstar RatingTM of Silver for the Illinois Bright Start Direct-Sold College Savings Program.

—Morningstar, November 2023

Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan is managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of TIAA.

TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. manages a wide array of 529 investment portfolios.

  • Pioneer in the 529 plan space and proven leader
  • Serves more than 1.6 million accounts, helping families save more than $45 billion for college (as of 6/30/24)6
  • TIAA is a Fortune 500 financial services organization founded in 1918

More to explore

  • Explore our plan

    Learn more about eligibility and all the qualifying expenses a Bright Start 529 account can cover.

    How our 529 works

  • Contact us

    Have questions about Bright Start 529? Need information about your current account? We’re here to help!

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