Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine has named the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) the “Best College Savings Plan” for Fund Selection, announced Dan O’Neill, President, First National Bank of Omaha. NEST is Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plan and First National Bank of Omaha serves as Program Manager. This is the 4th time Kiplinger’s has named Nebraska’s 529 Plan a ‘Best College Savings Plan.’

Kiplinger’s recently released its “2011 Best List” and NEST was one of only two plans named in the College Savings Plan section. All 529 plans were evaluated on how they best suit the needs of investors in the categories of Overall Value, Fund Selection and Low Fees. NEST was cited in the category of Fund Selection based on a selection of 14 individual funds from Fidelity, Pimco, T.Rowe Price, State Street and Vanguard.

“We are honored to have been recognized by Kiplinger’s, a highly respected consumer and industry publication,” said O’Neill. “At a time when choosing the right funds is so important, being named “ Kiplinger’s Best” for Fund Selection is a testament to our strict fund selection process and the rigorous fund review we conduct on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.”

When developing the investment options within the NEST Plans, O’Neill said First National Bank of Omaha, the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office and the Nebraska Investment Council were mindful to balance actively and passively managed investments, offering diversified asset types in an open architecture environment. These organizations, along with First National Bank’s Mutual Oversight and Asset Allocation committees, provide vigilant, experienced and disciplined oversight of these respected funds.

“With eleven years of combined experience offering the college savings plans, this partnership is providing valuable and affordable investment options for families saving for college,” said Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg.