Dan Schwartz: Prepaid tuition contest underway

Parents, have you been wondering how you’re going to afford to send your child to college, especially with tuition rates climbing every year? Maybe you keep saying you’ll finally get around to starting their college savings account but just haven’t done it yet? Or perhaps you feel overwhelmed by the whole thought altogether? Now two families could possibly win a free year of tuition — one family in Northern and Southern Nevada! That’s a $6,023 value! But you only have one week left to enter the drawing.

The giveaway is open to those who purchase a Nevada Prepaid Tuition plan by Jan. 31. There are many types of plans available for families who wish to lock in tomorrow’s tuition at today’s prices. Payment plans start as low as $38 per month for prepaid tuition at community college and $46 per month for one year of university tuition.

Parents who invested in the Nevada Prepaid Tuition program over the past 20 years have seen their investment grow. By saving with these affordable plans, families can benefit from the potential financial burden later on. It comes down to smart financial planning. By taking action now, you have the potential to save thousands of dollars.

The Nevada Prepaid Tuition program will cover the cost of in-state credit hours, but program benefits can be applied at any eligible institution in the country. A list of eligible schools can be found at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. The program can also be used with scholarships or other 529 college savings plans for other expenses such as book, fees, and housing.

Enrollment forms can be completed online at www.NVPrepaid.gov, and remember, the deadline is Jan. 31. For further questions, please email PrepaidTuition@NevadaTreasurer.gov, or call 702-486-2025 or 888-477-2667.

Don’t delay, start saving today!

Dan Schwartz is Nevada State Treasurer.