JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More Florida prepaid college plans sold in the last enrollment period than in several years.
In fact, new numbers released this week show more than 50,000 plans were sold last year -- the highest number since 2008.
On top of tuition, students have to pay for things like housing and books, which can all add up. A student we spoke to at UNF said a prepaid college plan really helped her out, and UNF's student aid department said so many were sold this year because prices were down.
Ana Elo said college is great, but the price of it is not. She said if it weren't for the Florida prepaid college plan her, parents started for her when she was one, she may not be going to the school of her choice.
Anissa Agne with University of North Florida said Elo's parents did the right thing.
"It's a building block -- you start with that, go for Bright Futures, apply for other scholarships, private foundation institutional and all of that together can build up a package that can help fund basically the students entire education," said Agne.
Seems like many parents are realizing how smart of an idea it is.
According to the Florida Prepaid College Board, they sold more than 50,000 plans this year. That's more than three times the total sales from last year.
The annual open enrollment period began in October and ended February 28th.
The board attributes the high sales to lower prices, like a new plan that costs only $43 a month.
"I think Florida wins in the end. We will have a more educated workforce at the end of the day because more children will know they can go to college. I think if you have a Florida prepaid plan at home, the idea is you'll go to college," said Ange.
UNF student, Elo, said the program has worked wonders for her.
"I think every state should have it. I feel like it's very unfair for states that don't have prepaid college programs; to make your kids pay the outrageous amounts that we're paying for school," said Elo.
Another reason the board says so many of the plans were recently sold, is because of a new state law that helps control future fee increases at state universities in Florida.