November 17, 2025 – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has announced that Illinois’ Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan has earned its 7th Gold rating from independent analyst Morningstar, firmly placing the plan among the best in the nation.
“To be touted as one of the nation’s best by Morningstar for the seventh time under my watch confirms from an independent source that Illinois’ 529 College Savings plans are a great investment for Illinois families,” Frerichs said. “Since taking office, my priority has been to ensure Illinois families have access to the highest quality savings plans in the nation with low fees and a high-quality range of investment options. We are proud to earn this honor and help families save for their children’s future.”
Morningstar independently evaluates college savings plans each year and assigns each one a rating of Gold, Silver, Bronze, Neutral or Negative. Bright Start is one of only five Gold-rated 529 plans in the country. In its review, Morningstar identified Bright Start 529 as a “Valedictorian” and a standout plan that “offers compelling investment options that are also highly cost-effective.”
“Notably, the state offers a wide range of high-quality investment options across multiple firms, compared with some peers whose offerings are restricted to a single asset manager,” Morningstar wrote. “The state’s investment team keeps a close watch on the portfolios and effectively negotiates better terms for its participants.”
Morningstar’s medal ratings represent composite scores of each plan’s performance across the key performance pillars of Process, People, and Parent, with Price also considered.
Morningstar’s recognition is the latest high praise for Bright Start 529, which also has been recognized as among the nation’s best 529 college savings plans by Forbes, Business Insider, Kiplinger, and the Motley Fool.
In addition, the adviser-guided Bright Directions plan received an upgrade to a Bronze rating, the only 529 plan in the nation to get a higher rating than last year. Morningstar has consistently identified Bright Directions 529 as one of the nation’s best options for families who prefer to work with a financial adviser.
