BrightStart529is among the lowest cost529plans in the country, which can mean more money for college.3.TheBrightStartDirect-Sold College Savings Program is offered by the State ofIllinois. TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. (TFI), plan manager.
Open anIllinoiseducation savings plan account today.BrightStart529simplifies the process of saving for college, making it easy and highly efficient.You can open aBrightStart529College Savings Plan account quickly and easily.Starttheir education savings now! TheBrightStartIllinois529College Savings Plan allows you to invest in a variety of portfolios designed for savers with different levels of risk and investment knowledge. Those who aren’t too familiar with investing may be attracted to the the plan’s age-based portfolios. ILresident benefits.
High Honors.BrightStartDirect-Sold College Savings Program. Download PDF Report Lock.Calculate yourIllinois529tax benefit. Find out how much you can save on state taxes this year by contributing to aIllinois529plan.
BrightStart529has seen record account growth in 2025, with over 500,000 total accounts as of September 30, 2025. Combined withBrightDirections529, there are now more than 900,000Illinois529college savings accounts with a combined $23 billion in assets. Illinoishas a529plan calledBrightStartthat can help you save for college.These programs are specific to the State ofIllinois.
Each state has different rules when it comes to529plan savings. Here are theIllinois529plan rules. Jump To SectionTop-Rated529PlansBrightStartDirect-Sold College Savings Program (Illinois) BrightStart529.Illinois’BrightStart529Plan: A flexible and tax-advantaged savings plan for your loved ones’ higher education.
According toBrightStart529’sIllinoistax deduction summary, the $10,000 or $20,000 limit applies to your combined contributions toBrightStart,BrightDirections, and CollegeIllinoisfor the year, regardless of how many accounts or beneficiaries you have. Choosing BetweenBrightStartandBrightDirections.Illinoisruns two529programs under its College Savings Pool, and the choice between them comes down to whether you want to manage your investments yourself or work with a financial advisor.