Bright Start
low-cost Illinois 529 plan with generous state tax deduction
How it works
Bright Start is Illinois' direct-sold 529 college savings plan, administered by the Illinois State Treasurer and program-managed by Ascensus. It offers age-based enrollment portfolios in aggressive and moderate tracks, static allocation portfolios, and individual fund options using Vanguard and DFA funds. Illinois residents can deduct up to $10,000 in annual contributions from state taxable income.
Is it right for you?
Consider if you
- You are an Illinois resident and want the state tax deduction
- You want ultra-low-cost index-based 529 portfolios starting at 0.08%
- You want both age-based glide paths and build-your-own portfolio options
Skip if you
- Non-Illinois residents who can find comparable low fees elsewhere
- Families seeking an app-based 529 experience
Your money and data
Bright Start is a state-sponsored 529 plan administered by the Illinois State Treasurer and program-managed by Ascensus. Contributions may be deductible on Illinois state taxes up to $10,000 (single) or $20,000 (joint). Investments are held in a mix of age-based and static portfolios managed by Vanguard, DFA, and other leading fund families.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Index portfolio fees as low as 0.08%, among the nation's cheapest
- Illinois state tax deduction up to $10,000/year single, $20,000 joint
- Morningstar Gold-rated, $50 seed deposit for Illinois newborns via First Steps
Cons
- No dedicated mobile app for account management
- Active blend portfolios cost up to 0.80%, significantly more than index options
Pricing details
$0 to open · index portfolios from 0.08% expense ratio · no account maintenance fee
On brightstart.com · We may earn a commission
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