In 1996 the Mississippi legislature created MPACT, which allows parents to buy future tuition at current prices before the cost goes up.
Edward Bishop bought college for his kids years ago using MPACT. He says the looming cost was a financial concern for his family.
"We knew that they were going to be in college around the same time. College is going to be a lot more expensive, to a point where it's financially out of reach for a normal person," says Bishop.
Emelia Nordan, who runs the College Savings Plan, says offering a variety of payment plans makes MPACT available to all Mississippians, no matter their income level.
"By the time your child is in the age of third grade, they're halfway to college. We offer a 12 year monthly plan, 8 and 10 year monthly plans, and we also offer annual payments if you just want to pay on an annual basis," Nordan says.
Jemera Lloyd is a parent in Jackson. She says even though her daughter just started kindergarten, she's already thinking about paying for college.
"My daughter is 5, and I want her to have the best choices that I didn't have when I was younger. I think it's a great thing for her future," Lloyd says.
The MPACT program was briefly closed in 2012. This years enrollment period goes through May 31st.
