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Livingston County Families Invited to Drop in and Start Saving for College at Michigan Education Trust Enrollment Event
April 22, 2025
BRIGHTON — The Michigan Education Trust (MET) is encouraging interested families to attend an upcoming free in-person enrollment event in Brighton to learn about college savings opportunities and take advantage of MET’s newly reduced $25 minimum enrollment contribution.
Families interested in jump-starting their children’s college savings are invited to attend the event on Saturday, May 3, at the Brighton Community Center, 200 N. First St. Individuals may drop in any time from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. No appointment is required to receive personalized assistance for families considering opening a MET account.
MET is the state’s 529 prepaid tuition program that allows for the purchase of future college tuition at today’s rates. It is administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, as is the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP). Treasury Department representatives will be available to provide insights into the features and benefits of each program.
The Brighton event is one of the first community-based enrollment opportunities since MET lowered the minimum contribution to just $25, making it easier than ever for Michigan families to start saving for their child’s future education. It provides families with a unique opportunity to learn about MET’s benefits and how they can begin saving for college with an initial deposit of just $25 instead of the previous requirement to purchase at least one credit hour upfront, which today typically ranges from $124 to $800.
“By significantly lowering the startup enrollment contribution, we’re helping more Michigan families take advantage of one of the most powerful tools to prepare for college costs,” said Diane Brewer, executive director of MET. “Whether your child or grandchild is in diapers or middle school, starting early — even with a small amount — can make a big difference.”
Attendees will also have access to an exclusive MET enrollment bonus of $100. The limited-time offer is designed to help families maximize their college savings from the start. See the MET website for bonus eligibility requirements.
Event highlights:
- Learn: Experts will explain the differences between MET and MESP and how each program can benefit families.
- Save: Take advantage of MET’s low minimum opening contribution and the exclusive in-person enrollment bonus.
- Plan: Receive personalized advice on savings strategies and payment options.
Pam Brady of Clinton Township enrolled in MET early, and it has become a family tradition that has spanned generations.
“I opened my first MET contract back in 1989 for my daughter, who has used MET for community college, an undergraduate degree and graduate school,” Brady said. “In all, I’ve opened eight MET accounts for my daughter and grandchildren and transferred two more. It’s one of the smartest and most meaningful financial decisions I’ve ever made for my family.”
Since its inception in 1988, MET has helped more than 105,000 students save for college, making it one of the nation’s most successful prepaid tuition programs. MET contracts allow families to purchase future tuition at today’s rates and are eligible for state tax deductions. Funds can also be used at out-of-state and private institutions or transferred to family members. To learn more about MET or for the Brighton enrollment event, visit MET’s website.
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 program 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.
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