The Florida Prepaid program has reduced the cost of its rates after a new state law lowered future costs of attendance at state universities in Florida.
For Megan Diaz, a 20-year-old UF education sophomore, the program was never an option her family looked into.
“My parents never got Florida Prepaid because it just didn’t fit into my parents’ budget,” she said. “But I think now, since they’re dropping the prices, my parents might start it for my little brother.”
The prices of certain Florida Prepaid programs will drop, according to a Florida Prepaid College Board press release.
These changes went into effect after a Florida law passed lowering the future cost of annual attendance.
Florida Prepaid director of marketing and public relations Kristin Lock said the change in prepaid prices took place immediately after the legislation passed in late spring.
“This has happened quicker than some of the other changes, I would think,” she said. “Eleven state universities accept our plans, and all students, in attending those universities, will benefit from our lowered prices.”
About 600 families in Gainesville have Florida Prepaid plans, Lock said, creating a combined savings of $12 million.
Cassandra Bees benefits from the Florida Prepaid program her grandmother got for her.
“It helps pay for my books,” she said. “So the only thing I have to worry about paying is my tuition and housing.”
Among the changes, the prepaid board is also offering a new 1-Year Florida University Plan that would allow Florida families to buy one to four years at a university they can afford, according to the Florida Prepaid College Board press release. The minimum price of the new plan starts at $43 a month.
Open enrollment for Florida Prepaid begins Oct. 15 and will close on Feb. 28, 2015.
With Florida Prepaid becoming more affordable, students like Diaz say the program will help future generations of college students.
[A version of this story ran on page 4 on 9/9/2014 under the headline "Students reminded Florida Prepaid reduced cost of program"]
