TNStars is a plan that you can manage yourself, on your own time, in your own home. However, just because you can do everything yourself doesn’t mean you’re alone—quite the opposite in fact!

The program is managed by the Tennessee Treasury Department who monitors the plan's investment options and works to keep costs low so you can save even more.

The key to successful saving is to begin early. TNStars makes it easy to get started and continue to build your savings. It’s easy! You can open an account online in minutes with as little as $25.

We strive to make sure your child has choices when it comes time for them to apply for college. What do we mean when we say “choices?”

“Choices” means that, when you open an account with TNStars, you are not limited in where you use your funds. When your child is ready for college, funds can be used at any school that accepts U.S. Federal financial aid including four-year universities, private colleges, community colleges, technical schools, and even out-of-state schools. Give your child the flexibility to choose their own path, whether that keeps them close to home, or sends them around the world!

We all know that a lot more goes into paying for college than just tuition. Housing, school supplies, textbooks, computers—these all cost money. The money you save through your TNStars account can be used to pay for many expenses that directly support your child’s education, from textbooks to rent to college fees. Learn more about qualified expenses in our frequently asked questions.

TNStars offers multiple investment options and competitive returns. Our experienced team has compiled a portfolio of diverse investment options to meet the needs of families. You can choose an investment option based on your timetable and comfort level with risk. We even offer an age-based option which automatically shifts your investments from more aggressive to more conservative as your child nears college age.

When you give a gift to that special child in your life - whether a grandchild, niece, nephew, godchild or friend’s child - you do it to help them succeed. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the special tax advantages TNStars offers you.

• Earnings are tax free when used for qualified higher education expenses
• TNStars contributions qualify for the annual federal gift tax exclusion
• While the account holder maintains complete control of the account, contributions are considered a completed gift to the beneficiary.
• An individual can contribute up to $18,000 per year, per beneficiary without incurring federal gift tax. For joint filers, that doubles to $36,000.
• You can also “superfund” your TNStars account. Under special rules unique to 529 plans, you can gift a lump sum in a given year--up to $85,000 for individual and $170,000 for joint filers and avoid federal gift tax by making an election to treat the gift as if it were made evenly over a five-year period.