Guiding You Step by Step Toward the Future

Journey Overview Hero

Begin Today

Create a Savings Plan

Save Now

Your task: select a college savings plan and start saving today. Even a few dollars a month will add up.
Review Your Options
Saving

MEFA U.Plan - open in new window

3-min read
Saving

MEFA U.Fund - open in new window

4-min read
Saving

Should You Open a U.Plan or U.Fund? - open in new window

4-min read

Begin Today

Consider Attainable®

Learn the Basics

Determine whether opening an Attainable® ABLE Savings Plan account is a wise choice for your family.
Get the Details
Saving

8 Uses for ABLE Accounts That Provide a Financial Future for Individuals with Disabilities - open in new window

5-min read
Saving

The Attainable^® Savings Plan - open in new window

2-min video
Saving

Why Save in Attainable^® Early? - open in new window

3-min read

Begin Today

Create a Savings Plan

Start Saving

Your task: select a college savings plan and begin saving regularly. Prioritize monthly deposits.
Review Your Options
Saving

MEFA U.Plan - open in new window

3-min read
Saving

MEFA U.Fund - open in new window

4-min read
Saving

Should You Open a U.Plan or U.Fund? - open in new window

4-min read

Begin Today

Continue Saving

Save for College

Though the college years will arrive soon, there’s still plenty of time to save. Prioritize regular deposits and adding any extra income into your college savings.
Set Up Automatic Saving
Saving

Is It Too Late to Save for College? - open in new window

3-min read
Saving

Set Up Automatic Deposits for Your MEFA U.Plan Account - open in new window

2-min video
Saving

5 Reasons to Automate Your College Savings - open in new window

4-min read

Begin Today

Pay the Bill

Know Your Options

Before you make a financing plan for college, explore all of the ways you could use your resources to cover college costs.
See Payment Possibilities
Paying

Monthly Payment Plans - open in new window

2-min video
Paying

Using Your College Savings to Pay for College - open in new window

4-min read
Paying

Private Student Loans vs. Federal Student Loans: What’s the Difference? - open in new window

4-min read

Begin Today

Understand Postsecondary Options

See the Possibilities

As you begin to prepare for the future, educate yourself on the different opportunities available for your child.
Start Exploring
Planning

Breaking Down the Different Types of Colleges - open in new window

5-min read
Planning

What Are My Alternatives to College? - open in new window

3-min read
Planning

5 Benefits of Attending Community College - open in new window

3-min read

Begin Today

Encourage Exploration

Student Self-Discovery

Encourage your child to set up an account in MEFA Pathway to start learning more about themselves and their options for the future.
Explore MEFA Pathway Together
Planning

Create an Account in MEFA Pathway - open in new window

1-min video
Planning

MEFA Pathway for Middle School Students - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

MEFA Pathway’s My Budget Activity - open in new window

1-min video

Begin Today

Research Colleges

Begin Building the College List

As you look ahead to the college admissions process, start researching schools and putting together your college list.
Get College List Tips
Planning

Campus Visits - open in new window

5-min read
Planning

How Many Schools Should Be On Your College List? - open in new window

4-min read
Planning

Search for Colleges with MEFA Pathway - open in new window

3-min read

Begin Today

Encourage College Exploration

Encourage College Exploration

Your child has lots of opportunities to explore and grow during the college years.
View the Guidance
Paying

Want to Save Money in College? Set a Budget - open in new window

3-min read
Planning

The Facts on Being an RA - open in new window

5-min read
Planning

Surviving the Transition from High School to College - open in new window

3-min read

In 3-5 Years

Evaluate Your Savings

Are You Saving Enough? - open in new window

It’s a good idea to check in annually or when you have a significant change in your finances to make sure your college savings account is on track.
Set Your Savings Goals - open in new window
Saving

How Much Should You Save for College? - open in new window

4-min read
Saving

Tips for College Gifting - open in new window

2-min read
Saving

Saving for College with 2 Kids: How We’re Doing It - open in new window

3-min read

In 3-5 Years

Learn about Admissions

Get a College Admissions Overview

Before your child reaches senior year of high school, learn everything that’s involved in the college admissions process.
Review the Process
Planning

The Basics of Early Action and Early Decision - open in new window

4-min read
Planning

Understanding the Different Types of College Applications - open in new window

4-min read
Planning

The SAT and ACT - open in new window

4-min read

Begin Today

Get Admissions Ready

Learn the Details of Admissions

There are many components to the college application process. Get educated on each one.
See an Admissions Overview
Planning

6 Tips to Complete the Common App - open in new window

4-min read
Planning

Understanding the Different Types of College Applications - open in new window

4-min read
Planning

Asking for Letters of Recommendation - open in new window

3-min read

Begin Today

Share Career Guidance

Job Search Resources

While in college, students can take steps to learn about careers and explore job prospects.
View Career Prep Tips
Planning

Career Spotlight: Mass Water Works Association - open in new window

27-min listen
Planning

8 Tips for College Students on Using LinkedIn - open in new window

3-min read
Planning

Make the Most of Your Internship - open in new window

3-min read

In 6+ Years

Explore Colleges

Start Researching Schools

Get educated on different schools that might become a possibility for your child and begin to build the college list.
Get Your List Started
Planning

How to Use the College Scorecard - open in new window

2-min read
Planning

Search for Colleges with MEFA Pathway - open in new window

3-min read
Planning

Campus Visits - open in new window

5-min read

In 3-5 years

Explore Colleges

Start Searching for College Options

There are thousands of colleges out there. Start exploring the options available to your child to find out which ones might be a good fit.
Search in MEFA Pathway
Planning

Campus Visits - open in new window

5-min read
Planning

Breaking Down the Different Types of Colleges - open in new window

5-min read
Planning

Make the Most of College Fairs - open in new window

4-min read

Begin Today

Discover Financial Aid

Get a Financial Aid Overview

Financial aid can help to cover college costs. Learn how the process works before you apply.
See Financial Aid Facts
Paying

What is Need-Based Financial Aid? - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

What You Need to Know About Merit-Based Financial Aid - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

What is Federal Work-Study? - open in new window

3-min read

In 3-5 Years

Focus on Repayment

Pay Back Loans

If you or your child borrow to pay for college costs, you’ll need to make sure your budget is ready for repayment.
See Repayment Guidance
Paying

How to Refinance Student Loans - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

Financial Advice on College, Debt, and Retirement - open in new window

20-min listen
Paying

Clearing Up Student Loan Debt Confusion - open in new window

4-min read

In 6+ Years

Explore Financial Aid

Learn How Financial Aid Works

There’s good news: though college can have a significant price tag, financial aid can help you cover a lot of the cost.
Get a Financial Aid Overview
Paying

Different Types of Student Financial Aid - open in new window

5-min read
Paying

Financial Aid Applications - open in new window

4-min read
Paying

What is the FAFSA? - open in new window

5-min read

In 3-5 years

Prepare for College Costs

Learn Your Payment Options

There are different ways to pay for college, and financial aid is a significant part of the puzzle.
Get a Financing Overview
Paying

A Smart Way to Pay for College - open in new window

2-min read
Paying

Financial Aid & Scholarships - open in new window

1-min read
Paying

Undergraduate & Graduate MEFA Loans - open in new window

4-min read

Begin Today

Learn about Loans

Borrowing for College

Many students borrow loans to pay for college costs. Get educated on how loans work before agreeing to borrow.
Explore Loan Types
Paying

Capitalized Interest on Student Loans: How Does It Work? - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

Understanding Private Loans - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

The Role of the Co-Borrower: Whose Loan Is It, Anyway? - open in new window

3-min read

in 6+ years

Share Career Guidance

Career Exploration

Let your child know that MEFA has resources available to help students learn about careers and discover what jobs might fit them best.
See MEFA Pathway Resources
Planning

8 Tips for College Students on Using LinkedIn - open in new window

3-min read
Planning

College & Career Planning - open in new window

2-min read
Planning

Using Campus Resources to Find a Job - open in new window

5-min read

In 3-5 Years

Encourage Career Planning

Career Learning

During the college years, encourage your child to learn about the wide range of careers available and prepare for the job search.
See Job Search Resources
Planning

Make the Most of Your Internship - open in new window

3-min read
Planning

8 Tips for College Students on Using LinkedIn - open in new window

3-min read
Planning

The Time is Now - open in new window

3-min read

In 3-5 Years

Plan for Repayment

Understanding Loan Responsibility

Borrowing loans can help you pay for college costs, but it’s important to make sure you understand how repayment works and if you’ll be able to afford it.
See Repayment Overview
Paying

Why I Switched to Income-Driven Loan Repayment - open in new window

4-min read
Paying

Financial Advice on College, Debt, and Retirement - open in new window

20-min listen
Paying

How Does Student Loan Deferment Work? - open in new window

3-min read

Begin Today

Think about Your Future

Explore MEFA Pathway

Our college and career planning portal provides resources designed to help you achieve your goals.
Create an Account
Planning

Create an Account in MEFA Pathway - open in new window

1-min video
Planning

MEFA Pathway for Middle School Students - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

MEFA Pathway’s My Budget Activity - open in new window

1-min video

Begin Today

Think about Your Future

Explore MEFA Pathway

Our college and career planning portal provides resources designed to help you achieve your goals.
Create an Account
Planning

Create an Account in MEFA Pathway - open in new window

1-min video
Planning

Discover Potential Careers with MEFA Pathway - open in new window

3-min read
Planning

Use MEFA Pathway to Easily Create a Resume - open in new window

2-min read

Begin Today

Pay the Bill

Know Your Options

Before you make a financing plan for college, explore all of the ways you could use your resources to cover college costs.
See Payment Possibilities
Paying

Monthly Payment Plans - open in new window

2-min video
Paying

Financial Aid & Scholarships - open in new window

1-min read
Paying

Private Student Loans vs. Federal Student Loans: What’s the Difference? - open in new window

4-min read

Begin Today

Plan for High School

Learn about Academics

High school is right around the corner, so it’s important to get informed about what’s ahead.
Explore High School Academics
Planning

To Take an AP Class or Not to Take an AP Class…That is the Question - open in new window

6-min read
Planning

Consider High School Course Selection Carefully - open in new window

4-min read
Paying

Scholarships for Elementary & Middle School Students - open in new window

4-min read

Begin Today

Focus on Academics

High School Academics

High school is filled with new experiences, challenges, and adventures, and for each student, academics play a central role.
Explore High School Academics
Planning

To Take an AP Class or Not to Take an AP Class…That is the Question - open in new window

6-min read
Planning

Consider High School Course Selection Carefully - open in new window

4-min read
Planning

Understanding the Difference Between Weighted and Unweighted GPAs - open in new window

4-min read

Begin Today

Explore Careers

Job Search Resources

While in college, take steps to learn about careers and explore job prospects.
View Career Prep Tips
Planning

Using Campus Resources to Find a Job - open in new window

5-min read
Planning

Career Spotlight: Mass Water Works Association - open in new window

27-min listen
Planning

8 Tips for College Students on Using LinkedIn - open in new window

3-min read

In 3-5 Years

Get Admissions Ready

Learn the Details of Admissions

There are many components to the college application process. Get educated on each one.
See an Admissions Overview
Planning

6 Tips to Complete the Common App - open in new window

4-min read
Planning

Letters of Recommendation - open in new window

2-min video
Planning

Understanding the Different Types of College Applications - open in new window

4-min read

Begin Today

Learn about Scholarships

Apply for Scholarships

Community organizations, foundations, non-profits, and corporations all offer private scholarships, and they can make a significant impact in helping cover college costs.
View Scholarships
Paying

Private Scholarships for College Students - open in new window

4-min read
Planning

College Scholarships - open in new window

16-min listen
Paying

Finding Scholarships with MEFA Pathway - open in new window

2-min read

Begin Today

Make the Most of College

Make the Most of College

Explore our articles on all aspects of college life.
View the Guidance
Paying

Want to Save Money in College? Set a Budget - open in new window

3-min read
Planning

The Facts on Being an RA - open in new window

5-min read
Planning

Transferring Colleges - open in new window

2-min video

In 3-5 Years

Discover Financial Aid

Get a Financial Aid Overview

Financial aid can help to cover college costs. Learn how the process works before you apply.
See Financial Aid Facts
Paying

What is Need-Based Financial Aid? - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

What You Need to Know About Merit-Based Financial Aid - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

What is Federal Work-Study? - open in new window

3-min read

Begin Today

Research Colleges

Begin Building the College List

As you look ahead to the college admissions process, start researching schools and putting together your college list.
Get College List Tips
Planning

Campus Visits - open in new window

5-min read
Planning

How Many Schools Should Be On Your College List? - open in new window

4-min read
Planning

Search for Colleges with MEFA Pathway - open in new window

3-min read

In 3-5 Years

Focus on Repayment

Pay Back Loans

If you borrow to pay for college costs, you’ll need to make sure your budget is ready for repayment.
See Repayment Guidance
Paying

How to Refinance Student Loans - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

Financial Advice on College, Debt, and Retirement - open in new window

20-min listen
Paying

Clearing Up Student Loan Debt Confusion - open in new window

4-min read

In 6+ Years

Learn about Repayment

Pay Back Loans

If you borrow to pay for college costs, you’ll need to make sure your budget is ready for repayment.
See Repayment Guidance
Paying

How to Refinance Student Loans - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

Financial Advice on College, Debt, and Retirement - open in new window

20-min listen
Paying

Clearing Up Student Loan Debt Confusion - open in new window

4-min read

Begin Today

Get Admissions Ready

Learn the Details of Admissions

There are many components to the college application process. Get educated on each one.
See an Admissions Overview
Planning

6 Tips to Complete the Common App - open in new window

4-min read
Planning

Asking for Letters of Recommendation - open in new window

3-min read
Planning

Understanding the Different Types of College Applications - open in new window

4-min read

In 3-5 Years

Consider Further Education

Think about Grad School

If you’re considering continuing your education, you’ll also want to consider how to pay for it.
How to Pay for Grad School
Paying

Undergraduate & Graduate MEFA Loans - open in new window

4-min read
Paying

Financial Aid for Graduate Students - open in new window

28-min listen
Planning

Thinking of Law School? Here’s How to Prepare - open in new window

5-min read

Begin Today

Discover Financial Aid

Get a Financial Aid Overview

Financial aid can help to cover college costs. Learn how the process works before you apply.
See Financial Aid Facts
Paying

What is Need-Based Financial Aid? - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

What You Need to Know About Merit-Based Financial Aid - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

What is Federal Work-Study? - open in new window

3-min read

Begin Today

Consider College Alternatives

Think about Career Paths

Learn about opportunities available to help you prepare for potential careers.
Explore Career Options
Planning

Learning About Apprenticeships - open in new window

3-min read
Planning

What Are My Alternatives to College? - open in new window

3-min read
Planning

The Time is Now - open in new window

3-min read

In 3-5 Years

Learn about Repayment

Pay Back Loans

If you borrow to pay for college costs, you’ll need to make sure your budget is ready for repayment.
See Repayment Guidance
Paying

How to Refinance Student Loans - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

Financial Advice on College, Debt, and Retirement - open in new window

20-min listen
Paying

Clearing Up Student Loan Debt Confusion - open in new window

4-min read

Explore Expert Guidance

All Topics
Planning
Saving
Paying

Planning

A Discussion on College Students and Anxiety - open in new window

29-min listen
Planning

You’ve Placed the Deposit for College, Now What? - open in new window

Live event
Planning

Certificate Programs at Massachusetts Community Colleges - open in new window

2-min read
Planning

Debunking 4 College Myths - open in new window

3-min read
Saving

BabySteps Turns 5: Checking In on the College Savings Incentive Program - open in new window

31-min listen
Saving

How One Grandparent Is Saving for College - open in new window

25-min listen
Saving

Saving for College - open in new window

Recorded webinar
Saving

Transferring 529 Funds into a Roth IRA - open in new window

1-min video
Paying

Financial Aid Offers & the College Bill - open in new window

Recorded webinar
Paying

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the FAFSA - open in new window

4-min read
Paying

Should I Expect the Same Financial Aid Every Year? - open in new window

3-min read
Paying

Financial Aid 101 in French (Les Bases de L’Aide Financière) - open in new window

Recorded webinar