The One-Step (and Super Smart!) Say to Save for College

3–4 minutes

A lot of things about parenting are complicated and confusing…sleep training, calculus, TikTok dances. But we’ve found a way to make at least one thing a whole lot easier — saving for college. Florida Prepaid has spent more than 35 years redefining the way parents plan and save for their child’s future.

We know that moms and dads alike want to know they’re doing the right thing for their kids, and we’re here to let you know that you’ve got this. Whether you’re just getting started or your child is getting close to high school graduation, here’s a great way to meet your college savings goals in a simple, risk-free way.

But before we get into it, let’s clear up what “risk-free” really means. You can lock in future tuition costs at today’s plan prices. If the actual cost of tuition and fees is less than your total plan cost, Florida Prepaid refunds the difference. Even better, if the actual cost of tuition and fees is higher than your total plan cost, Florida Prepaid covers the difference—guaranteed.

One step at a time

For the new parents here, the concept of taking things one step at a time should be taken as literally as possible. Sometimes, as parents, the best we can hope for is making it from one minute to the next. When it comes to planning how to save for college, breaking it down can make a major difference.

Florida Prepaid recognizes the need for parents to have an affordable way to set money aside for the future, which is why we offer Prepaid Plans in one-year increments, starting around $34 per month for a newborn.

This plan covers an entire year (30 credit hours) of tuition and most fees at Florida public universities, and can also be used at Florida colleges. DYK: if your child decides to go out of state, their Prepaid Plan travels with them!

At a glance, here are a few helpful things to know about Prepaid Plans.

  • Can be used in-state or out, at public, private, trade and technical schools nationwide
  • Works great alongside scholarships and financial aid
  • Can be canceled anytime for a full refund, or transferred to another family member
  • Allow family members to contribute to help meet your savings goals
  • Can be combined with an Investment 529 Plan to help cover all your college expenses (housing, meal plans, books, etc.)

Why does it work?

Well, the “one step at a time” advice isn’t just lip service. The easiest way to accomplish any goal is to identify an achievable set of tasks, and saving for college is no different. A Prepaid Plan gives you the option to be strategic about paying for college. You can account for scholarships and financial aid, or even have grandparents pitch in to purchase a year. This plan is also a great choice for those with multiple and/or older children, who may have a larger tab to account for.

We’ll help you get there

Florida Prepaid started in 1987 with a singular goal — help make saving for college achievable for all Florida families. For more than 35 years, our products have evolved to best serve our customers. Today, more than 1.2 million families have saved with us, making us the largest and most successful prepaid program in the country. But it all started with a single step, and we’ll always be here to help you take yours.

Since 1988, Florida Prepaid’s goal has been to help make saving for college affordable and attainable for all Florida families. You can now build your perfect college savings strategy in minutes.