NASHVILLE (AP) — The state's college savings program is being recognized nationally.

TNStars is ranked as the No. 2 plan in the country, according to SavingForCollege.org, which recently released the top 10 direct-sold 529 plans in the nation based on one-year performance rankings.

TNStars is a program of the Tennessee Department of Treasury.

It's designed to give Tennessee families investment options at a low cost to help them put aside money for higher education expenses, while benefiting from certain tax advantages and special incentives.

Tennesseans can invest directly with the program, without having to go through a plan manager. Money can be withdrawn from a TNStars account tax-free, as long as it is used for qualified higher education expenses.

For more information, visit http://www.tnstars.com .