Virginia529 Program Retains Top Rating

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Education Letter -- Virginia529's direct-sold savings program, Invest529, has received the Morningstar Analyst Rating™ of Gold from Morningstar's Manager Research Group for the second year running.

The Morningstar Analyst Ratings are assigned to college-savings plans across the United States based on five pillars - Process, People, Parent, Price and Performance - that assess investment options, program management and a plan's risk-adjusted performance, among other factors.

The organization also considers unique benefits that plans offer, including tax breaks, grants and scholarships.

"We are thrilled to be recognized once again as one of the nation's premier tax-advantaged college savings plans," said Mary Morris, CEO of Virginia529. "Our team works hard to deliver attractive and low-cost programs that help families achieve their higher education goals. We appreciate that our commitment to thoughtfully constructed and professionally managed investment options with low fees has earned this honor, and we look forward to continuing to introduce our programs to families across the country."

Invest529 earned its Gold rating this year as Morningstar recognized its "well-diversified approach, strong underlying investments, and a competitive price tag" making it "a top-notch option for college savers."

Measured by market share, total accounts and assets under management, Virginia529 is the largest 529 plan in the nation. The agency, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016, also remains one of the fastest-growing 529 plans in the nation, with responsibility for the accounts of one and a half million Americans and more than $66 billion in assets invested for future higher education expenses.

CollegeAmerica, Virginia529's advisor-sold program offered in partnership with American Funds, retained its Silver rating, making it one of the top ranked advisor-sold 529 college savings plans. Virginia529's defined benefit program, Prepaid529, is not evaluated in Morningstar's review, which rates only 529 college-savings programs.

Learn more about Invest529, CollegeAmerica and Virginia529 at Virginia529.com.

Keywords for this news article include: Virginia529, Public Education, Investment and Finance.

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