Boston – This might be the hardest part of the college planning journey. Now that students have received their college acceptance letters and financial aid offers, they must take the time to evaluate what’s in front of them and make a choice about where to attend.
The big decision may not be so easy. Comparing financial aid offers can be tricky. Students and families need to understand the different components contained in each offer, how the financial aid might change from year to year, and the resulting balance at each school.
To help make sense of it all, students and families are encouraged to seek free, expert guidance from the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA).
“Analyzing financial aid offers and calculating the total cost of college can challenge even the most financially-savvy. At MEFA, we have taken out the guess work and provide the expert advice and online tools every student and family need to make an informed decision,” said Julie Shields-Rutyna, Senior Director of College Planning, Training, and Education for MEFA.
MEFA’s Financial Aid Offer Hotlines, to be held on March 19th and April 16th, will allow families to be paired with a financial aid expert in a private, virtual meeting. Financial aid experts will help students and families understand the financial aid they have been offered, calculate the estimated amount that will be due at every college, and navigate the next steps, including how to pay for the remaining costs that will appear on the college bill. For more details and to register for an upcoming hotline, visit mefa.org/webinars.
In addition to the one-on-one sessions, MEFA is hosting three public webinars that will provide valuable guidance for high school seniors who have received their college acceptance letters and financial aid offers and are trying to make the college decision. Topics will include an overview of different types of financial aid, an explanation of how to calculate the balance due at each college, and methods for paying the college bill. Register for the following webinars at mefa.org/webinars:
March 11, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
March 25, 2025
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
April 10, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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MEFA is a state authority, not reliant on state or federal appropriations, established under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 15C. MEFA’s mission, since its founding in 1982, has been to help Massachusetts students and families access and afford higher education and reach financial goals through education programs, tax-advantaged savings plans, competitive loans, and expert guidance. All of MEFA’s work aligns with the ever-present goal to support the independence, growth, and success of Massachusetts students and families. Visit mefa.org to learn more.
