Best Prepaid Tuition Plans by State in 2026: 6 Programs Compared

If you want the best prepaid tuition plan in 2026, the strongest options come from states that still run guaranteed programs, such as Florida, Texas, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi (learn more about the 7 best college admissions consultants of 2026) and Washington (learn more about 529 plan vs. other college savings: complete comparison), because they let you lock in future in-state tuition at today's rates. We compared 6 programs on guarantee strength, enrollment access, portability and flexibility. This guide is for parents who value certainty over market upside (learn more about financial aid for college: complete guide to maximizing aid) (learn more about 529 plan tax benefits: complete guide to tax advantages) (learn more about early literacy development: building reading skills from birth to age 5) (learn more about middle school academic planning: setting the stage for high school success) and expect their child to attend an in-state public college. Enrollment windows and rules change, so confirm status with each program.

How We Ranked These Plans

Criteria	Weight	Why It Matters
Strength of the guarantee (state backing)	High	Determines what happens if tuition rises faster than expected
Open enrollment and eligibility	High	Several states have closed or limited enrollment windows
Flexibility if your child goes elsewhere	Medium	Refund and transfer rules differ widely
Cost and payment options	Medium	Monthly vs. lump-sum matters for budgets
Coverage beyond tuition	Low	Some plans cover fees or housing

Data sources: each state program's official plan documents, the College Savings Plans Network, and the SEC's investor guidance on 529 plans.

1. Florida Prepaid College Plan — Best for Long-Term Guaranteed Coverage

Best for: Florida families expecting an in-state public college path
Type: Prepaid tuition with state-backed guarantee
Enrollment: Annual open enrollment period (verify dates)

Florida's prepaid plans have long been among the largest in the country and let families lock in Florida public university tuition. Enrollment is typically limited to an annual window.

Pros

• Large, established program
• Guarantee for in-state tuition at covered institutions
• Multiple plan options including dorm coverage

Cons

• Enrollment window is limited
• Benefits diminish if your child attends out-of-state or private

Who This Is Best For

Florida residents who expect an in-state public education. If your child may leave the state, a standard 529 may be better.

2. Texas Tuition Promise Fund — Best for Texas Public Colleges

Best for: Texas families
Type: Prepaid tuition units
Enrollment: Typically annual enrollment (verify)

The Texas Tuition Promise Fund sells tuition units that can be used toward Texas public colleges, with state backing for the fund.

Pros

• Unit-based, easy to understand
• Backed by the state
• Can be used at Texas public institutions

Cons

• Limited enrollment windows
• Less flexible for out-of-state or private schools

Who This Is Best For

Texas families who want to lock in tuition against rising costs.

3. Maryland Prepaid College Trust — Best for Maryland Families

Best for: Maryland residents
Type: Prepaid tuition contract
Enrollment: Annual enrollment (verify)

Maryland's Prepaid College Trust offers tuition contracts for Maryland public colleges, with an enrollment period each year.

Pros

• Clear contract options
• State program with long history
• Flexible payment options

Cons

• Window-based enrollment
• Limited portability

Who This Is Best For

Families confident in an in-state public path.

4. Michigan Education Trust (MET) — Best for Michigan Residents

Best for: Michigan parents
Type: Prepaid tuition contract
Enrollment: Typically annual window (verify)

MET lets Michigan families prepay tuition for in-state public colleges. Review contract terms on benefit payout if a child attends elsewhere.

Pros

• Long-running program
• Locks in tuition inflation
• State-supported

Cons

• Window-based enrollment
• Reduced benefits for non-Michigan schools

Who This Is Best For

Michigan families who want certainty over investment upside.

5. Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (MPACT) — Best for Mississippi Families

Best for: Mississippi families
Type: Prepaid tuition contract
Enrollment: Annual enrollment (verify)

MPACT offers contracts for tuition at Mississippi public institutions, with a state guarantee.

Pros

• Guaranteed tuition at covered schools
• Clear options for different durations

Cons

• Window-based enrollment
• Less flexible if plans change

Who This Is Best For

Mississippi families committed to in-state public colleges.

6. Washington Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) — Best for Flexible Unit Purchases

Best for: Washington families who want a unit-based approach
Type: Prepaid tuition units
Enrollment: Verify current status

Washington's GET program sells units redeemable for tuition and fees at Washington public colleges, with a state guarantee. Unit values can change; verify the latest rules.

Pros

• Unit structure is flexible
• State guarantee
• Usable at many institutions with adjusted value

Cons

• Unit price changes over time
• Out-of-state use is limited

Who This Is Best For

Washington families who want guaranteed tuition coverage with more flexibility.

Quick Comparison

Plan	State	Type	Best For	Key Caveat
Florida Prepaid	FL	Prepaid	Long-term coverage	Enrollment window
Texas Tuition Promise Fund	TX	Units	Texas publics	Window
Maryland Prepaid College Trust	MD	Contract	MD families	Window
MET	MI	Contract	MI families	Reduced out-of-state
MPACT	MS	Contract	MS families	Window
GET	WA	Units	Flexible units	Unit price changes

How We Researched This

We reviewed plan documents and official state program pages, College Savings Plans Network information, and SEC investor guidance. We excluded programs closed to new enrollment where we could confirm it. Program status changes, so verify with the state before enrolling. Last updated: October 2026. We review this guide twice a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a prepaid tuition plan?

A plan that lets you buy future college tuition at today's prices, typically for in-state public colleges.

Prepaid tuition vs. 529: which is better?

Prepaid plans offer certainty about tuition; standard 529 savings plans offer more flexibility and investment growth. Read our guide to 529 plans vs. Coverdell ESAs.

What happens if my child does not attend college?

Most plans refund contributions, sometimes with limited or no earnings. Check each plan's terms.

What if my child attends out of state?

Benefits are often paid at in-state rates, which may not cover full tuition elsewhere.

Do prepaid tuition plans cover room and board?

Some plans offer housing options. Most focus on tuition and fees.

Are prepaid tuition plans guaranteed?

Many are backed by the state, but the strength of the guarantee varies. Read the plan documents.

How much should I save overall?

See our guide on how much to save in a 529 by age.

Can grandparents contribute?

Yes, many plans allow contributions. See best 529 plans for grandparents and 529 gifting platforms.

Do prepaid plans affect financial aid?

They can count as assets. Rules vary by plan type and ownership, so check with a financial aid officer.

What are alternatives?

A standard 529, or college savings apps that help build a fund.

Important Disclosures

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Program rules, enrollment windows and benefits change and vary by state. Consult a qualified advisor before making decisions. Some links may be affiliate links; this does not influence our rankings.