This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Utah's state-sponsored college savings plan again has been singled out as among the best in the nation.

The Utah Education Savings Plan (UESP) received a top rating from the independent website Savingforcollege.com.

Last year, in a different rating system, UESP was in the top 10 for one-year, three-year and five-year investment periods.

"We are pleased Savingforcollege.com once again recognized UESP as a '5-Cap' plan," Lynn Ward, executive director of UESP, said in a news release Friday. "The rating underscores UESP's commitment to providing a high-quality savings vehicle that helps families reach their college saving goals."

Programs awarded five caps are recognized as offering outstanding flexibility, attractive investments and economic benefits that provide a substantial boost to an account owner's saving.

The rating system was overhauled for the first time in a decade to include both state residents and nonresidents. UESP plans for both types of participants claimed top honors.

Investments in UESP accounts grow federal and state income tax deferred, and there are no enrollment or application fees.

The savings can also be used at out-of-state institutions.

Savingforcollege.com was established as a private company in 1999 with a mission to help individuals and professional advisers better understand how to meet the challenge of paying higher education costs.

To view the list in its entirety, visit http://www.savingforcollege.com/5_cap_ratings/.