I'm new here. Been lurking for a while. Great resource - learned alot about E-500's and such. MR's are real intriguing to me, but no desire just yet. Job now requires some travel and since UA is company's prefered carrier, I've joined MP and the MP Visa for the miles. The following offer appeared in e-mail last week.

Earn double miles for school payments over $200 from July 3, 2007 through September 30, 2007
Earn double miles for every $1 you spend on educational expenses over $200 from July 3, 2007 through September 30, 2007. Includes eligible tuition, room & board, plus books, school donations and more. No need to register - just use your Mileage Plus Visa

My son is starting college this fall and I have the option of paying for his fall tuition/room/board with my MP Visa. Payment of $11,561 would yield 23,302 miles (I assume that there is no maximum on the miles you can get). However, there is a "handling" cost of $291.28 (2.5%). The cost per mile would be $0.0125. Other option is to write them a check.

Good deal or not? My goals are to save enough for trip for wife and I to visit New Zealand at some point in time, preferably in business class. I realize that it may take years, but I'm in no hurry. Your thoughts please.