The Best Gift Under the Tree: Michigan Education Trust Reminds Families that Prepaid Tuition Outlasts Anything Wrapped in Ribbon

As families wrap gifts and gather around the tree this holiday season, the Michigan Education Trust (MET) is encouraging Michiganders to consider a present that delivers lasting value long after the decorations come down: prepaid college tuition.

With the end of the year approaching, Michigan families who open or contribute to a MET prepaid tuition account may also benefit from a state income tax deduction, making December an ideal time to start saving for a child's future.

"The holidays are a time for giving with purpose," said Diane Brewer, executive director of MET. "Helping a child pay for college is one of the most powerful gifts a family can give. Even small contributions can grow significantly over time and when those contributions are made before year's end, many families can benefit at tax time as well."

A Delta Township holiday giving tradition

Few people understand the power of gifting MET better than Sue Stock, a Delta Township mom and grandmother whose tradition began in 1988 and continues today.

After reading about the then-new prepaid tuition program in the Lansing State Journal, Sue opened MET contracts for her sons, Jon and Chris, inspired by her mother's suggestion to start early. Instead of toys or clothes, relatives began contributing to their METs for birthdays and holidays.

"MET became our version of holiday giving," Stock said. "The boys didn't need more things. I wanted to give them something that would matter long after the wrapping paper was gone."

That decision paid off.

Chris used his MET to earn his degree at Michigan State University, graduating with little to no debt before beginning a career that included work with NASA and later supply chain marketing.

Jon attended Lansing Community College, where his tuition was covered because Sue worked at LCC. His unused MET benefits now help fund a MET for his own daughter, extending the family's tradition into another generation.

"That's the beauty of MET," Stock said. "No matter how life unfolds, the investment stays in the family and supports the future."

Eaton Rapids story shows how MET grows in Michigan or beyond

For Vadia Carroll-Kaltz of Eaton Rapids, MET was an investment that dramatically multiplied in value.

In 1988, the same year Stock began her tradition, Carroll-Kaltz purchased MET contracts for her daughters Molly and Megan. When Molly entered Michigan State University years later, the contract that cost $3,846 had grown to $13,290 in value. It allowed Molly to earn her undergraduate degree debt-free.

Molly's sister, Megan, attended Valparaiso University in Indiana. Even though it's out of state, MET still helped cover tuition costs, a benefit many families don't realize exists.

"Back then, I hoped MET would give my girls a fair start," Carroll-Kaltz said. "I never imagined how far that investment would stretch. MET truly was the best gift I ever put under the tree."

Her daughters' experiences - one in-state, one out-of-state- underscore MET's flexibility and the real financial return families can see over time.

A meaningful gift today, a financial advantage tomorrow

With the year-end tax deadline approaching, MET is reminding families that:

• Contributions made before Dec. 31 may qualify for a Michigan state income tax deduction.
• MET locks in today's rates, protecting families against future increases.
• Prepaid tuition can be used at Michigan public universities and community colleges, and many private or out-of-state schools, providing flexibility as children's plans evolve.
• Digital gifting tools make it easy for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends to contribute as part of their holiday giving.

Whether a family is continuing a long-standing tradition like Sue Stock or Vadia Carroll-Kaltz or starting one for the first time, MET offers a way to give a child opportunity, stability and financial protection. MET is the kind of gift that lasts far longer than anything found under the tree. Families can learn more or open a MET online.

About MET

MET is Michigan's Section 529 prepaid tuition program, allowing parents, grandparents and others to purchase undergraduate tuition credits at today's rates. MET is administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury.