While the cost of higher education increases every year, incomes of college graduates remain well ahead of those who don't have degrees. That is why the Michigan Education Trust is urging parents and grandparents to invest even a few dollars today to ensure their children have the opportunity to earn more over their lifetime.

"Of all the factors that can influence earning potential, research shows education has the greatest impact," said State Treasurer Robert J. Kleine, chair of the MET Board. "In the 21^st century economy, students who receive a degree have the potential to earn millions more over their lifetime compared to those without a college education. MET is a proven way for families to help ensure future education tuition costs are covered."

A 2002 report from the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau titled The Big Payoff: Educational Attainment and Synthetic Estimates of Work-Life Earnings revealed that over an adult's working life ? defined as the period from ages 25 through 64:

• High school graduates can expect, on average, to earn $1.2 million while;
• A bachelor's degree earns $2.1 million;
• A master's degree earns $2.5 million;
• A doctorial degree earns $3.4 million; and
• A professional degree (lawyer, doctor, etc.) earns $4.4 million. 

In addition, a March 2007 Census Bureau report concluded adults age 18 and older with a bachelor's degree earned an average of $54,689 in 2005, while high school graduates earned $29,448 ? a difference of more than $25,000 a year and as much as $1 million over a lifetime. Additionally, a recent report by economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Princeton University confirmed, "...there are no signs that the value of a college education has peaked or is on a downward trend."

With a MET contract, you can lock in tomorrow's tuition at today's rates. Tuition can be purchased by semester, up to four years (eight semesters) of education. Easy payment options are available, and the total MET contract price, including enrollment fees, qualifies for a Michigan income tax deduction. Enrollments are accepted online or by mail. Visit www.SETwithMET.com for enrollment information.

Since its debut in 1988 as the nation's first guaranteed tuition program, MET has sold more than 86,000 contracts and now has more than $1 billion in assets. Not only are MET contracts portable to Michigan private and out-of-state colleges and universities, they may be transferred to other eligible family members. Since 1988, well over 90 percent of high school graduates with MET contracts have gone on to attend a college or university.

For more information visit www.SETwithMET.com or call 1-800-MET-4-KID (800-638-4543).