共同探讨两点

First, even IL Bright Start 529 program has better invidual investment option, https://www.brightstartsavings.com/investment-options/individual/

For example, you can choose invest in Vangard 500 index, and you would be following SP500 growth, which is not bad.  If you pick other investment option such as age-based portfolio or target portfolio, you WILL BE dissapointed.  But that's not 529's fault, 529 is only a vehcle to provide you with options. 

https://www.brightstartsavings.com/investment-options/

Second, UTMA (Uniform Transfer to Minor Act) account is a poor choice if you plan to seek financial aid.  

In FSFSA application, Expected Family Contribution is calculated as:

47% of parents income + 5.64% of parents asset + 20% of student asset + 50 % of student income.

529 college plan is counted as parent's asset, factored at 5.64%, instead of UTMA account, factored as 20%. 

e.g. https://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/what-happens-if-you-deliberately-don-t-report-assets-on-the-fafsa

"The main type of assets that can have a big impact on aid eligibility are assets in the child’s name, such as the UTMA account, since 20% of the student’s assets will be added to the EFC. Parent assets are assessed at a much lower rate. To reduce the impact of the UTMA account, move the money into a custodial 529 college savings plan account. "