Skip to the main content >

Accessibility Statement >

Turn Animations Off:

Workplace 529
News
Español
Log in

Search:

Why Bright Start 529
Learn and Plan
Investment Portfolios
Resources
Account Center
Open an Account
Workplace 529
News
Español

Home
About Bright Start

Illinois’ only direct-sold 529 college savings plan

Since 2000, Illinois' Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan has been helping families like yours save for higher education.

Why Bright Start 529

Benefits of Our 529
A Plan for Everyone
About Us

Learn and Plan

How Our 529 Works
Compare Ways to Save
The Cost of College
First Steps

Investment Portfolios

Compare Investment Portfolios
Enrollment Year Portfolios
Static Allocation Portfolios
Individual Portfolios
Daily Price & Performance
Fees & Expenses
Investment Policy Statement

Resources

Popular Resources
Planning Tools
FAQs
Gifting
Events & Webinars
Glossary

Account Center

How–tos
Forms
Open an Account

Need Help?

Call 1-877-432-7444

Contact Us

Follow Us

Access your account on-the-go with the ReadySave 529™ App

Managed by TIAA–CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. (TFI)
Privacy Policy
Accessibility Statement
Sitemap
Security Center
Plan Description

Disclosures

For more information about the Bright Start Direct-Sold College Savings Program, call 1-877-432-7444 or click here for a Plan Description which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information. Read and consider it carefully before investing.

Please Note: Before you invest, consider whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state’s qualified tuition program. You should also consult your legal or tax professional for tax advice based on your own circumstances. Investments in the plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss (except as provided in the Program Description solely with respect to the FDIC-insured Bank Savings Underlying Investment).

If the funds aren’t used for qualified higher education expenses, a 10% penalty tax on earnings (as well as federal and state income taxes) may apply.

The Bright Start Direct-Sold College Savings Program is offered by the State of Illinois. TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. (TFI), program manager. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor and underwriter for the Bright Start Direct-Sold College Savings Program.

The Plan Web site contains links to other Web sites. Neither the Plan nor TFI and its affiliates are responsible for the content of those other Web sites. The accuracy of information on those sites cannot be confirmed.

All social media platforms are managed by the State of Illinois.

Need help finding something? Type in the search bar below.

Search: