College happens sooner than you think
Celebrate College Savings Month by making a contribution to your account today. Bright Start 529 funds can be used for the educational path they choose.
Your contributions can go further with the triple tax benefits of a Bright Start 529 account
State tax deduction
Illinois taxpayers can qualify for a state tax deduction up to $20,000 per beneficiary if married filing jointly ($10,000 for single filers) for contributions made into a Bright Start 529 account.1
100% tax-free withdrawals
Withdraw tax-free for all qualified education expenses at any eligible college, university or vocational schools for tuition, room and board, books, computers and more.
Tax-deferred growth
Any earnings grow tax deferred. When you pay less taxes, you may have the ability to earn more and grow your college savings account faster—giving your beneficiary an even bigger head start!
Why a Bright Start 529 account?
Your child has options
Savings can be used for any eligible college or university both in the U.S. and abroad, as well as graduate school, professional schools, and post-graduate programs.
You enjoy more flexibility
Funds are transferable to other family members: siblings, stepchildren, cousins—even you can be eligible.
Your plan is financial aid-friendly
Typically your 529 is viewed as a parental asset rather than your child's asset—which means they often count less against financial aid eligibility.2
You have more control
Your savings will always be yours, and you're never locked in. You can withdraw your funds for any reason at any time.3
