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We provide subject matter expertise on every step within the college planning process. Subscribe and listen to the MEFA Podcast to learn key information and helpful tips on 529 college savings plans, the college application process, financial aid & the FAFSA, student loan repayment, and more.
MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning and Content Creation Jonathan Hughes explains how MEFA’s After the College Acceptance campaign will help you with understanding financial aid offers, making the college decision, and paying the college bill. Jonathan is joined by MEFA’s Director of College Relations, Stephanie Wells.…
MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning Jonathan Hughes explains how MassTransfer guarantees transfer admission from an associate's to a bachelor's degree program and the powerful savings it offers for students and their families. Jonathan is joined by Mark Broadbent of Holyoke Community College and Liuginsa Rosa, student at the University of…
Host Jonathan Hughes discusses the first year of the BabySteps Savings Plan, what was learned in the pilot program, and how to program makes saving for college more accessible Jonathan is joined by Alayna Van Tassel of the Office of Economic Empowerment.By MEFA
Host Jonathan Hughes breaks down how to complete these forms, including maintaining confidentiality between parents, which parent completes the forms, how to determine the custodial parent, and how to keep the financial aid office involved. Jonathan is joined by Susan Beard of Wheaton College.By MEFA
Host Jonathan Hughes explains what's new with the FAFSA, including changes to the EFC, the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, FAFSA-related websites, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Jonathan is joined by MEFA's Julie Shields-Rutyna and Meredith Clement.By MEFA
Host Jonathan Hughes breaks down the resources available to students in Massachusetts to help save on the cost of college, including Tuition Break, New England State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), and Open Educational Resources (OER). Jonathan is joined by Wendy Lindsay from the New England Board of Higher Education.…
Host Jonathan Hughes explains the two Massachusetts's college saving plans, The U.Fund and The U.Plan, as well as the BabySteps Savings Plan. Jonathan is joined by Yiming Shuang and Christine Jauregui of Inversant.By MEFA
Hosts Jonathan Hughes and Jonathan Sparling break down factors to consider when comparing student loans, how some school may be delayed with their billing process this year, how to be a wise borrower, and how the process of applying for a loan works.By MEFA
Hosts Jonathan Hughes and Jonathan Sparling explain how the U.Plan works and interview a real life saver who used the U.Plan to pay for her child's college.By MEFA
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Researching Colleges When You Can't Visit Campus
36:51
36:51
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Hosts Jonathan Hughes and Jonathan Sparling explain how to know if a college is a good investment, online tools you can use in the absence of campus visits, and what resources colleges are offering prospective students to help them get a feel for campus.By MEFA
Hosts Jonathan Hughes and Jonathan Sparling break down everything you need to know about appealing your financial aid offer including how to appeal, who should appeal, and what deferment might mean for your financial aid.By MEFA
Hosts Jonathan Hughes and Jonathan Sparling discuss how COVID-19 affects every aspect of college planning, from students already attending college to colleges making plans for the upcoming school year to parents just starting to save.By MEFA
College financing experts Martha Savery and Meredith Clement answer frequently asked questions about paying for college, with topics including making a plan to pay for college, evaluating the cost of each college, utilizing helpful tools.By MEFA
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Every Dollar Saved for College Will Give You Options Later
9:17
9:17
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Meredith Clement, MEFA's Managing Editor, provides helpful advice for families who have middle school students as they look forward and plan for college.By MEFA
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The Value of Saving for College in Middle School
11:27
11:27
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Jonathan Hughes, MEFA's Associate Director of College Planning, provides helpful insights into the college financing process and its common misconceptions.By MEFA
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Saving for College: Never Too Early, Too Late
20:54
20:54
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Julie Shields-Rutyna, MEFA's Director of College Planning, explains why middle school is a perfect time for families to begin planning for college.By MEFA
College planning expert Martha Savery shares her advice for families with middle school students around planning and saving for college.By MEFA
