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Jackson, MS. Governor Phil Bryant today proclaimed September 2017 as College Savings Month in Mississippi, joining more than 40 other states nationwide.
“Today’s headlines make higher education seem unattainable for so many families,” noted Treasurer Lynn Fitch, who is Chair of the Board for College Savings Mississippi. “Tuition is rising much faster than wages and the total U.S. student loan debt surpassed total credit card debt earlier this year. In fact, the average student loan debt in Mississippi is about $30,000. But, college savings, or 529, plans make the dream of a college education affordable for families of all income levels.”
“College Savings Mississippi,” continued Treasurer Fitch, “operates two plans to help Mississippians stretch their college savings dollar. The Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (MPACT) program protects against the rising costs of college by prepaying tuition and mandatory fees. The Mississippi Affordable College Savings (MACS) program allows you to save for tuition, fees, certain room and board expenses, and even books and laptops. And, families can save for as little as $25; $15 if your employer is one of over 150 across Mississippi that allows you to save by payroll deposit.”
Treasurer Fitch and College Savings Mississippi will be celebrating College Savings Month this Saturday, September 9th at the Mississippi Children’s Museum. From 10 am to 2 pm, there will be special activities to promote saving for college and financial literacy and Echo the College Savings Mississippi mascot will be available for pictures. In addition, attendees will have a chance to win one of two $529 MACS scholarships, to be given away at 11 am and 1 pm. The Mississippi Children’s Museum is offering a special admission price of $5.29 for the whole day in honor of College Savings Month, as well.
The text of the Governor’s proclamation is attached.
For more information on 529 Day at the Mississippi Children’s Museum, including official rules for the scholarship giveaways, visit https://www.treasurerlynnfitch.ms.gov/collegesavingsmississippi/Pages/Events.aspx.
For more information about MACS or MPACT, or to sign up for a plan, visit: https://www.treasurerlynnfitch.ms.gov/collegesavingsmississippi/Pages/default.aspx.
And, to learn more about how your company can provide college savings benefits through payroll deposit, visit https://www.treasurerlynnfitch.ms.gov/collegesavingsmississippi/Pages/For%20Employers.aspx.
