The 2016-17 enrollment period for College Illinois! is now open. The program allows parents and grandparents to prepay college tuition at today’s plan rates, locking out rising tuition costs and making it possible for students to limit or even eliminate student loan debt. With the average student loan debt at $30,000 or more for those recent graduates who borrowed, according to multiple estimates, planning for college early is essential. College Illinois! offers a number of tax-advantaged, flexible tuition options and payment plans to meet each family’s needs, starting at as little as $22 per month. Plus, College Illinois! is not just for Illinois public colleges and universities: students can use the value of plan benefits at any private or out-of-state school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The 2016-17 enrollment period runs through May 31, 2017, with enrollment for newborns open through Aug. 31, 2017. Those who enroll in the next few months can take advantage of last spring’s plan pricing, before prices increase on most plans on Jan. 18, 2017. To take the first step to prepay and save, and lock in a student’s future college tuition, request an Enrollment Kit on our website at collegeillinois.org or contact a College Illinois! representative at isac.529info@isac.illinois.gov or 1.877.877.3724.