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

3-min read
Saving

MEFA U.Fund

4-min read
Saving

Should You Open a U.Plan or U.Fund?

4-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

3-min read
Saving

MEFA U.Fund

4-min read
Saving

Should You Open a U.Plan or U.Fund?

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?

3-min read
Saving

Set Up Automatic Deposits for Your MEFA U.Plan Account

2-min video
Saving

5 Reasons to Automate Your College Savings

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

2-min video
Paying

Using Your College Savings to Pay for College

4-min read
Paying

Private Student Loans vs. Federal Student Loans: What’s the Difference?

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

5-min read
Planning

What are My Alternatives to College?

3-min read
Planning

5 Benefits of Attending Community College

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

1-min video
Planning

MEFA Pathway for Middle School Students

3-min read
Paying

MEFA Pathway’s My Budget Activity

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

5-min read
Planning

How Many Schools Should Be On Your College List?

4-min read
Planning

Search for Colleges with MEFA Pathway

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

3-min read
Planning

The Facts on Being an RA

5-min read
Planning

Surviving the Transition from High School to College

3-min read

In 3-5 Years

Evaluate Your Savings

Are You Saving Enough?

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
Saving

How Much Should You Save for College?

4-min read
Saving

Tips for College Gifting

2-min read
Saving

Saving for College with 2 Kids: How We’re Doing It

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

4-min read
Planning

Understanding the Different Types of College Applications

4-min read
Planning

The SAT and ACT

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

4-min read
Planning

Understanding the Different Types of College Applications

4-min read
Planning

Asking for Letters of Recommendation

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

Learn about MassHire Young Adult Career Center Services

31-min video
Planning

Career Spotlight: Mass Water Works Association

27-min listen
Planning

8 Tips for College Students on Using LinkedIn

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

2-min read
Planning

Search for Colleges with MEFA Pathway

3-min read
Planning

Campus Visits

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

5-min read
Planning

Breaking Down the Different Types of Colleges

5-min read
Planning

Make the Most of College Fairs

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?

3-min read
Paying

What You Need to Know about Merit-Based Financial Aid

3-min read
Paying

What is Federal Work-Study?

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

3-min read
Paying

Financial Advice on College, Debt, and Retirement

20-min listen
Paying

Clearing Up Student Loan Debt Confusion

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

5-min read
Paying

Financial Aid Applications

4-min read
Paying

What is the FAFSA?

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

2-min read
Paying

Financial Aid & Scholarships

1-min read
Paying

Undergraduate & Graduate MEFA Loans

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?

3-min read
Paying

Understanding Private Loans

3-min read
Paying

The Role of the Co-Borrower: Whose Loan Is It, Anyway?

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

3-min read
Planning

College & Career Planning

2-min read
Planning

Using Campus Resources to Find a Job

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

3-min read
Planning

8 Tips for College Students on Using LinkedIn

3-min read
Planning

The Time is Now

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

4-min read
Paying

How Does Student Loan Deferment Work?

3-min read
Paying

Managing Student Loan Repayment for Graduating College Seniors

53-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

1-min video
Planning

MEFA Pathway for Middle School Students

3-min read
Paying

MEFA Pathway’s My Budget Activity

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

1-min video
Planning

Discover Potential Careers with MEFA Pathway

3-min read
Planning

Use MEFA Pathway to Easily Create a Resume

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

2-min video
Paying

Financial Aid & Scholarships

1-min read
Paying

Private Student Loans vs. Federal Student Loans: What’s the Difference?

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

6-min read
Planning

Consider High School Course Selection Carefully

4-min read
Paying

Scholarships for Elementary & Middle School Students

3-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

6-min read
Planning

Consider High School Course Selection Carefully

4-min read
Planning

Understanding the Difference Between Weighted and Unweighted GPAs

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

5-min read
Planning

Career Spotlight: Mass Water Works Association

27-min listen
Planning

8 Tips for College Students on Using LinkedIn

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

4-min read
Planning

Letters of Recommendation

2-min video
Planning

Understanding the Different Types of College Applications

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

4-min read
Paying

Applying for College Scholarships

35-min video
Planning

College Scholarships

16-min listen

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

3-min read
Planning

The Facts on Being an RA

5-min read
Planning

Transferring Colleges

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?

3-min read
Paying

What You Need to Know about Merit-Based Financial Aid

3-min read
Paying

What is Federal Work-Study?

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

5-min read
Planning

How Many Schools Should Be On Your College List?

4-min read
Planning

Search for Colleges with MEFA Pathway

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

3-min read
Paying

Financial Advice on College, Debt, and Retirement

20-min listen
Paying

Clearing Up Student Loan Debt Confusion

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

3-min read
Paying

Financial Advice on College, Debt, and Retirement

20-min listen
Paying

Clearing Up Student Loan Debt Confusion

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

4-min read
Planning

Asking for Letters of Recommendation

3-min read
Planning

Understanding the Different Types of College Applications

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

4-min read
Paying

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

28-min listen
Planning

Thinking of Law School? Here’s How to Prepare

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?

3-min read
Paying

What You Need to Know about Merit-Based Financial Aid

3-min read
Paying

What is Federal Work-Study?

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

3-min read
Planning

What are My Alternatives to College?

3-min read
Planning

The Time is Now

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

3-min read
Paying

Financial Advice on College, Debt, and Retirement

20-min listen
Paying

Clearing Up Student Loan Debt Confusion

4-min read

Explore Expert Guidance

All Topics
Planning
Saving
Paying

Planning

Navigating High School Academics

4-min read
Planning

College Planning for Middle School Families 2025

Live event
Planning

Early College Planning 2025

Live event
Planning

Athletics in College Admissions 2025

Live event
Saving

Debunking College Savings Myths

2m video
Saving

Redeeming Your Gift of College Gift Card

2-min video
Saving

Best College Savings Plans

1-min read
Saving

Give the Gift of College

4-min read
Paying

Our 100th Episode: Highlighting MEFA’s Past, Present, and Future

30-min listen
Paying

Financial Aid 101

Recorded webinar
Paying

Noções básicas sobre auxílio financeiro

Recorded webinar
Paying

What to Know about the CSS Profile

Recorded webinar