Each year, we assign Morningstar Analyst Ratings to college savings plans based on five key pillars: Process, People, Parent, Price, and Performance. We also consider if any plans convey unique benefits, such as local tax breaks, grants, and scholarships, though these usually do not drive the overall outcome. In 2018, Morningstar assigned analyst ratings to 62 plans, which represent more than 95% of assets invested in 529 plans. Morningstar analysts upgraded two plans and downgraded nine.
Leo Acheson, CFA & Stefan Sayre | Morningstar