The MEFA Podcast

Episode #60. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna first share the exciting news of when the FAFSA will be available to fill out this year. Then they answer a MEFA Mailbag question about who gets to file as an independent student on the FAFSA. Finally, Jonathan has a conversation with Brendan Melican, a Worcester resident and student at Quinsigamond Community College. Brendan and Jonathan discuss the MassReconnect program, which is allowing Brendan to attend college for free, as well as what it’s like being the parent of a college student while being one himself. They also discuss adult learners, the community college experience, and advice for those thinking about using MassReconnect. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #59. Host Jonathan Hughes speaks with Justin Draeger, President and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), about what NASFAA is, how they operate, and how they help shape financial aid policy with Congress. Jonathan and Justin also discuss how Congress legislates, and what Justin thinks about the future of financial aid policy. Jonathan and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna then answer a MEFA mailbag question on how retirement rollovers will be affected with upcoming changes to the FAFSA. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #58. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna have a conversation with Director of Student Financial Services at Wheaton College Susan Beard. They focus on how families with separated or divorced parents should complete the CSS Profile® and the FAFSA, the two financial aid forms for college. They discuss the different layers of the CSS Profile, and how parents should fill out the form based on their individual situation. They also discuss the guidelines around the FAFSA and how to determine which parent should complete the form. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #57. Host Jonathan Hughes first does a very special version of the MEFA Mailbag where he and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna answer some frequently asked questions about the FAFSA and the financial aid process. Then both Jonathan and Julie talk with Mark Salisbury, the founder and CEO of TuitionFit, an organization that aims to provide college price transparency. They discuss gaps in admissions and financial aid transparency at colleges, how students and their families can determine which school makes the most financial sense, and how they’ve been able to put this process into practice using real financial aid offers. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #54. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna talk about MEFA’s upcoming Financial Aid 101 seminars and webinars that will provide an overview of the financial aid process and highlight FAFSA Simplification. Then they go to the MEFA Mailbag to answer a question about refinancing student loans. Then Jonathan is joined by President of Mount Wachusett Community College Jim Vander Hooven and Executive Director of Massachusetts Community Colleges Association Nate Mackinnon to discuss MassReconnect, a new Massachusetts program that pays for tuition and fees at any Massachusetts community college for anyone 25 and older. Learn who is eligible, how to take advantage of the program, and more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #50. In this special episode, host Jonathan Hughes talks with Betsy Mayotte of TISLA (The Institute of Student Loan Advisors) about the Supreme Court’s decision to block the Biden-Harris Student Debt Relief Plan. They discuss the decision itself, what borrowers can expect, adjustments the Administration has made to the federal student loan program, and more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #48. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna first discuss MEFA’s prepaid tuition program, the U.Plan. Then, they go to the MEFA Mailbag and answer a question about letters of recommendation. Finally, Jonathan and Julie talk to Jill Desjean of NASFAA and Philip Levine of Wellesley College and the Brookings Institution about FAFSA Simplification, including the adjustments to the form, the changes in terminology, and what families can expect when the FAFSA is available in December. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #46. Host Jonathan Hughes discusses student loan repayment for graduating college students with co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna. They then dive into the MEFA Mailbag and answer a question about to how to get a student motivated about the college process. Finally, Jonathan talks with Jonathan Gowin, Director of Tuition Break, about the New England Board of Higher Education’s Tuition Break program that allows New England residents to receive a discount on tuition if they attend an out-of-state New England public college or university and major in an academic program not offered in their home state. They discuss how the program works, how students can participate, and the average student cost savings. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #44. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Andover High School Principal Alicia Linsey and Director of Admissions at Worcester State University Joe DiCarlo about the National Association of College Admissions and Counseling and their Boston College Fair. Then Jonathan and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna go to the MEFA Mailbag and answer a financial aid question about students who have worked with the Department of Children and Families. Finally, Jonathan has a conversation with Director of College and Career Counseling at Excel Academy Andrea Keenan. They discuss financial aid for undocumented students, how to help those students, how those students can advocate for themselves, and the different resources that are available. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #38. Host Jonathan Hughes sits down at the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Advisors (MASFAA) Conference in Plymouth, MA. There, he talks to Anthony Erwin, a Principal Consultant for Blue Icon Advisors of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Advisors (NASFAA). He also speaks with Anne McDermott, the Director of Financial Aid at Salve Regina University and President of EASFAA (the Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators). They discuss how financial aid differs across the country, where financial aid offices need support, advice for new aid administrators, and more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.