Mid-Michigan Event Offers Up To $200 Bonus To Start Saving For College

Free Oct. 17 session at Discovery Museum includes one-on-one help with Michigan's 529 plans; first 70 attendees get free admission

Mid-Michigan families can start saving for college with as little as $25 and receive up to a $200 bonus per child by attending a free enrollment session on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum. Representatives from Michigan's 529 college savings plans, the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP), will offer one-on-one help.

"A small investment of $25 and the bonus can open the door for Michigan families to start saving for college," said Megan Patino, executive director of MET. "The sooner you begin saving, the more impact those dollars will have for your child's education and future."

The information session, hosted by the Treasury's Section 529 college savings team, will run from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the museum, 5093 E. Remus Road, Mount Pleasant. No appointment is necessary, and families can drop in at any time, though a short presentation will be given at 11 a.m. The first 70 attendees to check in will receive free admission to the museum.

MET, the state's prepaid tuition program, will give a $100 bonus per beneficiary for an initial contribution of $25 to $499, or $200 for an initial contribution of $500 or more. The contribution must be made in a single payment, and families must attend an in-person fall 2026 enrollment session to qualify.

MET allows families to purchase college tuition at today's rates, and MESP is an investment-based plan with flexible options. Representatives will be available to explain each plan's features and offer general tips for parents, grandparents, and others who want to save for college.

"MET plans support a wide range of paths your student may take," Patino said. "If something changes along the way, you don't lose what you've saved. The benefits can be transferred to another family member."

Over its 38-year history, MET has helped more than 120,000 students save for future education expenses. Families can learn more about MET, including bonus eligibility requirements, at SETwithMET.com.

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About MET

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 may be 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, Michigan private college and trade school tuition. Credits can also be transferred to other eligible family members.

About MESP

MESP is Michigan's direct-sold Section 529 investment 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.