Union Bank & Trust Managed 529 College Savings Plans Among Best in Industry

Union Bank & Trust (ubt.com) has announced that four of its managed 529 college savings plans have received top rankings from Morningstar.

Union Bank & Trust serves as program manager to Illinois’ direct-sold Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan, which was named one of the best plans in the industry, receiving a Gold rating. Only three other plans nationally earned this highest rating. According to Morningstar, the plan received high rankings for its total package, including passively managed age-based tracks and strong underlying funds. The plan was also highly regarded for its low-cost structure. Illinois’ Bright Directions Advisor-Guided 529 College Savings Plan, managed by Union Bank & Trust, received a Silver rating for the third year in a row. Bright Directions was one of only two advisor-guided plans to receive this rating, the highest bestowed on advisor-sold plans. Union Bank & Trust also serves as program manager to Alabama’s CollegeCounts 529 Fund, which was upgraded to Silver, joining only seven other direct-sold plans with a Silver rating. According to Morningstar, Union Bank & Trust’s involvement increases Morningstar’s confidence that the plan will remain an exceptional choice for the long haul. Alabama’s CollegeCounts Advisor-Guided 529 Plan, also managed by Union Bank & Trust, received the second highest rating for an advisor-sold plan.

Morningstar, a leading provider of independent investment research, announced new Analyst Ratings and reports for 62 of the nation’s largest 529 college savings plans. The plans are evaluated based on five key pillars––Process, Performance, People, Parent, and Price. For more information visit Morningstar.com.