InvestforCollege.com has rated more than 70 "529 Plans" (using a proprietrary 1 through 5 star system) and published the findings in the February 28th issue of Money Management Executive. Plans with the highest combination of expense containment and investment performances were given the highest scores (4 and 5 stars).
In the report, six plans were given 5-star ratings and "Best Buy" status; these are:
Arizona's 529 College Savings Plan (Pacific Funds)
Hawaii's TUITION Edge (Delaware Funds)
Louisiana's START Savings Program (Vanguard)
New Jersey's NJBEST (Franklin/Templeton)
South Dakota's College Access (PIMCO)
Virginia's CollegeAmerica (American Funds)
In addition, 45 plans received a 4- or 5-star rating.
In addition to this rating, InvestforCollege.com also issued its "529 Best Bargains" for the year. These include: Illinois' Bright Start (Citigroup) and Rhode Island's College Bound (Alliance Capital); these plans were chosen because they have done "the best job at containing costs for college savers."
Tip: If you're looking for additional funding, to supplement or place money from a 529 Plan, be sure to check out the financial aid programs identified in Reference Service Press's line of award-winning financial aid directories for undergraduates, particularly Kaplan Scholarships.
