MEFA - Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority

In this episode, hear from Martha Savery and Meredith Barnhart, two college financing experts, as they answer frequently asked questions about paying for college. You’ll learn the steps to take to putting together a college payment plan, how to prepare for the financial aid applications, details of the college bill, student loan options, and free tools available to help you throughout the process.

Meredith Barnhart, Director of Integrated Communications, provides helpful advice for families who have middle school students as they look forward and plan for college. It’s beneficial for families to start researching ahead of time all of the different options for college. The more families know, the better prepared they’ll be for all the decisions they need to make during the student’s senior year of high school.

Jonathan Hughes, Manager of College Planning and Education, provides helpful insights into the college financing process and its common misconceptions. He also offers tips to help families stay motivated to save for college.

Julie Shields-Rutyna, Director of College Planning, explains why middle school is a perfect time for families to begin planning for college. She also shares a personal story of just how powerful MEFA’s impact is when it comes to helping families pay for college costs.

Martha Savery, Director of Public Affairs, shares her advice for families with middle school students around planning and saving for college. She also discusses how first-generation students and their families can navigate through the higher education process in the United States.