Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – As the high school graduation season wraps up across Craighead County, local families are shifting their focus from celebrating diplomas to managing the realities of rising higher education costs.

The statewide Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan issued a reminder last week about the benefits of educational savings accounts, and the impact can be felt directly at home. According to the College Board’s recent Trends in College Pricing report, tuition and fees for the current academic year rose up to 4% nationwide – with additional housing, food, and book expenses often outpacing the cost of tuition itself.

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For Jonesboro families, these funds have direct local utility. 529 savings plans are not restricted to traditional four-year tracks out of town; they can be utilized locally for a variety of educational paths, including:

  • Four-Year and Graduate Programs: Tuition, fees, and housing at Arkansas State University or the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine on the A-State campus.
  • Technical and Trade Certifications: Specialized tools, software, and materials required for workforce training and trade programs.
  • K-12 Education: Tuition for local private schooling options within the community.

“A post-high school education can transform what is possible for Arkansas families and their future,” said Chris Scott, director of Arkansas 529 Programs. “The Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan makes it easier to save with confidence and purpose.”

Administered by the Arkansas Treasurer of State’s Office, the program acts as a tax-deferred investment tool. Local account holders — including parents, grandparents, and foster parents — can open an account with a minimum contribution of $25. Additionally, the plan offers contributors up to $10,000 in state tax deductions annually.

For more details on investment options or to open an account, local residents can visit brighterfuturedirect529.com or call 800-587-7301.

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