As Bright Start 529 turns 25, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is announcing record asset growth to more than $14 billion for Illinois’ flagship 529 college savings plan. The news comes as the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office kicks off College Savings Month, which falls in September. Sponsored and launched by the State of Illinois in the year 2000, the Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan is designed for higher education savings. As of July 31, 2025, the plan had over 327,000 accounts with $14 billion assets under management. This year alone, 22,000 accounts have been opened and all account owners have contributed about $800 million for college savings. The numbers speak for themselves. Bright Start 529 offers a variety of benefits:

• Unique tax advantages: Tax-deferred growth and 100% tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses. Illinois taxpayers can also reduce their state taxable income by up to $20,000 per year when married and filing jointly or up to $10,000 when filing individually.

• Range of investment portfolios: Professionally managed investment portfolios to fit your life situation, risk tolerance, and savings goals.

• Flexible: Families can pay for a range of qualified higher educational expenses to eligible schools nationwide, or transfer funds to eligible beneficiaries.

• Low fees and expenses: Bright Start 529 is among the lowest cost 529 plans in the country, which can mean more money for college.