Approximately 220,000 babies are born in Florida each year. For new parents, each small milestone (first smile, first step) brings excitement for the future. In those hopes and dreams, university education is often ranked high. But without early planning, the rising costs of higher education can turn that dream into a financial burden.
It may seem far when parents are busy changing their diapers and adjusting to sleepless nights, but starting to save early for college is one of the best financial decisions a family can make. The sooner your family is, the less you need to worry about future university costs and the more economic freedom you can enjoy in the future.
That’s the exact idea behind Florida’s Prepaid University Program. Our mission is simple. It helps Florida families lock in today’s tuition fees and plan prices for dorms, ensuring their children’s future without the stress of inflation. Florida Prepaid is the largest and longest-running prepaid lesson program in the country and is only available to Florida families.
Currently, the annual open registration window until April 30th offers historic savings for babies. Families enrolled in a one-year college plan for a newborn or infant can save up to $850, while those who buy four years can save even more. Prepaid plan prices are the lowest in over 10 years and start at just $29 per month. That’s about the cost of a diaper box!
We created this special pricing, not just financially but emotionally, because we know that early savings are important. Parents who start saving early are relieved and feel at ease knowing that they are ensuring their child’s future with plans that they can control and afford. In an unpredictable economy, this is one investment that families can expect.
One of the biggest concerns parents have when saving universities is flexibility, and obviously. Today’s newborns cannot follow the path of a traditional four-year university in 18 years. That’s why the Florida Prepaid Plan is built to accommodate.
The one-year university plan covers 30 credit hours, one of Florida’s 12 state universities, or about 45 credit hours at state universities. But what happens if your child chooses a different path? no problem. The value of the plan can also be applied to Florida’s growing career and technical education (CTE) programs, which have grown by 60% since 2017, according to the Florida Department of Education. Currently, more than 480,000 students are enrolled in 9,276 CTE programs statewide.
The Florida Prepaid Plan is designed with flexibility in mind, ensuring your savings are adapted to your child’s unique journey. Whether they choose a traditional four-year university, a state university, or a trade technology school, the value of the plan continues on them. Better yet, the funds can be applied to schools across the country. And if things change, there’s no problem. Transfer your preparatory plan to another child or get a full refund, giving your family a sense of security and financial security.
The costs of higher education are not falling, but the good news is that families have control over how they save it. Now is the time to use these historic savings to help your child succeed.
With Florida prepaid, ensuring your child’s future is as simple and affordable as buying a box of diaper. Don’t wait – Sign up by April 30th and start savings today.
John D. Rude
Florida Prepaid College Board Chairman
