Arkansas' iShares 529 Plan from BlackRock is comprised solely of iShares ETFs and offers 7 year-of-enrollment portfolios, 4 asset allocation options, and 17 individual portfolios. These 21 portfolios can be mixed and matched or used independently of one another to achieve the investment allocation desired. Accounts can be linked to the Upromise rewards service. To find a financial advisor in your area, use the Directory of Financial Professionals.
- Program typeSavings
- Inception2007 (December)
- State agencyThe Arkansas 529 Plan Review Committee, composed of the Director of the Department of Higher Education, the Executive Director of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, and the Arkansas State Treasurer
- Tax deduction
- Program ManagerAscensus Broker Dealer Services, Inc.
- Program distributorAscensus Broker Dealer Services, LLC
Investment Options
Investors in iShares 529 Plan can select from the following investment options. Click on a portfolio name for more information.
Sometimes referred to as the enrollment-based option, this is an investment approach where your asset allocation is programmed to change over time. Accounts for young beneficiaries are invested aggressively and accounts for beneficiaries with college right around the corner are invested much more conservatively. In some 529 plans, the age-based option operates by automatically transferring your investment from one static portfolio to another at certain points in time. Others utilize lifecycle funds or employ lifecycle-type tactics within the portfolio containing your investment so that it is not necessary to transfer your investment between portfolios.
| Portfolio | E.R. | % Equity | 1YR Performance | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iShares 2036 College Portfolio (ETF) | 0.46% | 90.28% | 27.3% | N/A |
| iShares 2039 College Portfolio (ETF) | 0.71% | 99% | N/A | N/A |
| iShares 1-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond Portfolio | 0.66% | 0% | N/A | N/A |
| iShares College Portfolio (ETF) | 0.55% | 0% | -0.41% | 2 of 33 |
| iShares 2027 College Portfolio (ETF) | 0.46% | 55.3% | 16.53% | 6 of 20 |
| iShares 2021 College Portfolio (ETF) (closed 10/29/2021) | 0.47% | 43.08% | 5.72% | 8 of 38 |
| iShares 2024 College Portfolio (ETF) | 0.49% | 39.27% | 12.39% | 7 of 18 |
| iShares 2030 College Portfolio (ETF) | 0.46% | 69.34% | 20.62% | 8 of 27 |
| iShares 2033 College Portfolio (ETF) | 0.46% | 80.53% | 24.21% | 4 of 17 |
