The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office administers two Illinois 529 college savings plans:  Bright Start and Bright Directions.  Both plans are designed as “qualified tuition programs” under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.  Under the Illinois 529 college savings plans, your investments grow tax-free as long as your withdrawals are used to pay for higher education expenses (e.g., tuition, fees, books, room and board).  As an Illinois resident, you also enjoy additional tax benefits. To learn more about the plans, please visit our program websites.

Learn more about Bright Start!

Learn more about Bright Directions!
Event & Contest Updates

On May 1, 2010, Bright Start participated in the Black Diamond Harley-Davidson 2010 Community College Scholarship Ceremony in Marion. Among the Black Diamond scholarship recipients, Bright Start randomly drew four students each who will receive an additional $250 for college. Students will be able to use the money awarded by Bright Start to pay for tuition, fees and/or books at any one of the local community colleges: John A. Logan College, Rend Lake College, Shawnee Community College and Southeastern Illinois College.

 

Read the College Savings Program Financial Audit here.

  
   

Employ Illinois gives business owners access to capital to start or enhance their businesses with the help of low- interest rate loans.

Opportunity Illinois backs low-interest loans to consumers and community development agencies to improve the quality of life in Illinois.

Cultivate Illinois helps farmers offset the rising cost of farming and encourages green business development.
Money Market Fund allows local government entities to pool their investments to gain a higher rate of return for their residents.
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