SMART529: Program deserves praise for its work
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Not every West Virginia agency or project has a reputation for mishandling or holding on too long to money. In fact, some are exceptional managers of our money. Some Mountain State programs can be an excellent investment.
One recent example is the announcement that all three of the state's SMART529 plans have earned Saving for College's "top of the class" designation for 2026. The national informational service awards "top of the class" only to those 529 programs that outperform 80% of their peers.
"This recognition reinforces what we already know - West Virginia families have access to some of the strongest college savings options in the country," said State Treasurer Larry Pack. "We're proud that all three SMART529 plans continue to earn top marks, and we remain committed to giving families reliable, competitive tools to help them save for their children's future."
Our SMART529 plans are qualified tuition programs issued by the Board of Trustees of the West Virginia College and Jumpstart Savings Programs and administered by Hartford Funds.
Their stewardship has also earned all three plans 5 out of 5 overall ratings.
According to Saving for College, the benefits of the program for West Virginians are among the strongest available to state residents. They rank highly in investment performance rankings. And, based on data through June 30, the SMART529 Select Plan ranked first nationally for five-year performance.
That kind of reassurance is essential for parents and guardians doing their best to help prepare our young people for life after formal schooling by giving them as much support as they can toward quality training and education now. Those who are in a position to invest in the SMART529 plans are in rare company, as few other such plans are performing as well as West Virginia's.
Those who have worked to support SMART529 families by being such careful stewards of our investment in our children are to be commended.