Dan Rutherford - Illinois State Treasurer

About the college savings programs

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!

Read the College Savings Program Financial Audit here.

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

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

Ag Invest 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.

Online bill paying gives people with busy schedules a quick and convenient way to pay government bills and fees.