That is helpful. I believe Michigan's MET is indeed limited to Michigan residents. The $ for $ reduction of aid is very important. You seem to be correct that the purchase price does seem to be at a premium, though more like 15-20%. The 2002-2003 MET full contract was $24,252. They listed the 2002-2003 averages as $5,255 (weighted average), $5,046 (average), and $4,172 (lowest). So $21,020 is the weighted average for four years tuition (although tuition is paid for whether it is higher or lower than this number), $20,196 is what the MET would pay out for a private or out-of-state school today, and $16,784 is what the MET would refund out today if the student did not go to school or went to an out-of-state school which would not direct payments from MET. (The MET does make refunds or payments in four chucks over four years so these numbers would actually be slightly higher.) So these do seem a little harsh unless the child does go to college for sure. I'll have to look into the PA plan just to see how it differs from Michigan's, although it probably is not a good option for me. I am just curious how it differs.