Emergency-related state tax relief available for taxpayers located in four southwest Michigan Counties impacted by May 2024 storms.
Learn About Disaster Relief
Michigan Education Trust Hosts First In-Person Enrollment Event Since Launching Highly Affordable $25 Startup Contribution
March 11, 2025
The Michigan Education Trust (MET), the state’s 529 prepaid tuition savings program, is inviting families to its first in-person enrollment session since recently unveiling a major change by lowering its minimum enrollment contribution to just $25.
MET’s new $25 minimum contribution is a game changer for Michigan families who may have previously had difficulty coming up with the startup cost of a full credit hour, which today generally ranges between $124 and $800.
The free community informational event hosted by the Department of Treasury’s Section 529 college savings plans will take place from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Ann Arbor District Library Westgate Branch, 2503 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor.
Representatives from MET and Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) will be on hand to discuss the features and benefits of each plan and offer general tips to educate parents, grandparents and others on saving for college.
The session provides an opportunity for families to learn about MET’s benefits and take advantage of the new lower cost to open an account, which replaces the previous requirement to purchase at least one credit hour.
“By lowering the startup cost to just $25, we’re making it possible for even more families to invest in their children’s futures,” said Diane Brewer, executive director of both 529 plans. “Our goal is to ensure every Michigan child has a fair chance at higher education, regardless of their family’s financial situation.”
Attendees will also have access to an exclusive MET enrollment bonus of $100. This limited-time offer is designed to help families maximize their college savings from the start. See website for bonus eligibility requirements.
While no registration is required, more information for the Ann Arbor event is available here. Families can drop by anytime during the session hours.
Event highlights:
- Learn: Experts will explain how MET and MESP work and the benefits of each program.
- Save: Families can take advantage of MET’s new $25 lower opening fee and the in-person enrollment bonus.
- Plan: Personalized advice on savings strategies and payment options will be available.
Since its inception in 1988, MET has helped more than 105,000 students by providing a reliable way to save for future education expenses. Over its 37-year history, MET has come to be recognized as one of the more successful prepaid tuition savings plans in the nation.
“We’re committed to making higher education more accessible and affordable for all Michigan families,” Brewer added. “While this new lower startup cost aims to help working families who previously struggled to cover the initial cost of a full credit hour, it applies to anyone opening a MET account.”
Families interested in opening a MET account or learning more about the program can visit MET’s website. Enrollment for the $25 minimum begins immediately.
MET is Michigan’s Section 529 prepaid tuition savings program that allows the purchase of future tuition at any of the state’s public universities and colleges at today’s rates. The total contract price is eligible for a state tax deduction and earnings are tax-exempt if used for qualified higher education expenses. MET contracts are portable. MET funds can be used to pay out-of-state and Michigan private college and university tuition and credits can also be transferred to other eligible family members.
MESP is Michigan’s direct-sold Section 529 college savings plan that offers families various investment options. It also provides Michigan taxpayers a state income tax deduction on contributions and potential tax-free growth on any earnings if account proceeds are used to pay for qualified higher education expenses. MESP can be used at any eligible college, university or trade school in the nation and some abroad. Qualified higher education expenses include tuition, fees, room, board, books, equipment and supplies required for enrollment. Limitations apply. See the MESP Disclosure Booklet for details.
Media Contact: