Ann Arbor families invited to free event to jump-start college savings, take advantage of bonus offer
Ann Arbor families invited to free event to jump-start college savings, take advantage of bonus offer
Families can start saving for college with a 529 account for as little as $25 and get additional money with a bonus based on their initial contribution amount
LANSING — The Michigan Department of Treasury is inviting Ann Arbor families to attend a free community information and enrollment session to learn how to start saving for college with as little as $25 — and receive a new enrollment bonus.
The free community informational event hosted by the Department of Treasury’s Section 529 college savings plans will take place from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at the Pittsfield Library, 2359 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor. Attendees can drop in at any time during the session to receive one-on-one help on Michigan’s two 529 college savings plans: the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP). No appointment is necessary.
MET is the state’s 529 prepaid tuition savings program, allowing families to purchase college tuition at today’s rates. MESP is an investment-based savings plan offering flexible options for families.
Both programs are administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury.
MET will offer an in-person enrollment session bonus of $100 per beneficiary (for initial contributions of $25-$499) or $200 (for initial contributions of $500-plus). To be eligible for the bonus, you must attend an in-person 2026 spring enrollment session. The initial qualifying contribution must be made in one payment. For bonus eligibility requirements, visit the MET website.
The opportunity for the bonus made starting a MET for her son even more appealing for Annette Zurack, a digital specialist for the State of Michigan.
“I had been meaning to sign up for a while, but when I found out that MET was offering bonuses at the event, it was too good to pass up,” said Zurack, who is planning on attending the Ann Arbor session. “My mother-in-law opened an MESP account for my son and I wanted to pair that with a MET so we could maximize the benefits. This way we lock in current tuition rates, qualify for a bonus and give my son every advantage toward a college education and a bright future.”
Representatives from MET and 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 more about MET and take advantage of MET’s $25 minimum contribution.
“Education costs can seem intimidating, even when college feels a long way off,” said Megan Patino, the new executive director of Michigan Education Trust. “But planning early can make a huge difference. Programs like MET help families turn long-term dreams into a manageable plan and give parents confidence that their child’s future opportunities stay within reach.”
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 in-person enrollment bonus after opening a contract with a contribution of at least $25.
- Plan: Personalized advice on savings strategies and contribution 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 38-year history, MET has come to be recognized as one of the more successful prepaid tuition savings plans in the nation.
“One of the great things about MET is that it supports many different education paths after high school,” Patino said. “It can be used at Michigan public universities, community colleges as well as private or out-of-state schools. It can also support skilled trades, apprenticeships and other career training programs. Education takes many forms today, and MET reflects that reality.”
Families interested in opening a MET account or learning more about the program can visit MET’s website.
MET is Michigan’s Section 529 prepaid tuition savings program that allows the purchase of future tuition 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 funds can also 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.