The Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program, known as MPACT, gives families planning for college expenses another option.

Implemented in 1996, MPACT is a state of Mississippi program through which some of the major costs associated with higher education (tuition and mandatory fees) may be paid in advance and fixed at a guaranteed level for the duration of the undergraduate enrollment.

In essence, participants are able to lock in a price today for the cost of tomorrow's college tuition without creating debt.

An MPACT contract purchased this year, for example, would save $1,159 in tuition at Mississippi State. Currently, tuition at MSU is $3,017 per year, or $12,068 for four years. The lump sum payment of an MPACT contract purchased for a high school junior or senior during the open enrollment (Sept. 1-Nov. 30, 1999) is $10,999.

For more information, call the MPACT office at 800-987-4450 or visit the state Treasury web site at www.treasury.state.ms.us.