Organizer
MEFA
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority
MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) helps students and families plan, save, and pay for college through free guidance, webinars, and college financing programs.
www.mefa.org ↗Upcoming webinars
- Thu, November 5 · 12:00 PM EST
Attainable®: the ABLE Savings Plan 2026-27
The Attainable Savings Plan allows individuals with disabilities and their families to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for federal means-tested benefits. In this webinar, we will review the benefits, eligibility requirements, and plan details of Attainable, and explain how to easily set up an account. Live transcription will be available.
- Thu, November 12 · 12:00 PM EST
Financial Aid 101 2026-27
This webinar will provide information and clarity on the entire college financial aid application process. You'll learn about financial aid applications and types of financial aid, the factors that determine your aid eligibility, how colleges determine the amount of aid to offer, and the details of financial aid offers. Live transcription will be available. A Spanish-language option is also offered.
- Tue, November 17 · 4:00 PM EST
FAFSA Festival Fall 2026
Do you need assistance completing the FAFSA, the form required to apply for college financial aid? Join MEFA for a virtual FAFSA Festival. You can log in anytime 4-6 PM and you will be paired with an expert who can answer your FAFSA questions and help you complete the online application. Before you join us, we encourage you to start filling out the FASFA at fafsa.gov.
- Tue, December 1 · 6:30 PM EST
Financial Aid 101 2026-27
This webinar will provide information and clarity on the entire college financial aid application process. You'll learn about financial aid applications and types of financial aid, the factors that determine your aid eligibility, how colleges determine the amount of aid to offer, and the details of financial aid offers. Live transcription will be available. A Spanish-language option is also offered.
- Wed, December 16 · 4:00 PM EST
FAFSA Festival Fall 2026
Do you need assistance completing the FAFSA, the form required to apply for college financial aid? Join MEFA for a virtual FAFSA Festival. You can log in anytime 4-6 PM and you will be paired with an expert who can answer your FAFSA questions and help you complete the online application. Before you join us, we encourage you to start filling out the FASFA at fafsa.gov.
- Thu, January 14 · 6:30 PM EST
College Admissions 2026-27
The college search and application process can be overwhelming. This webinar will help you establish a personalized admissions road map by addressing topics such as current trends in admissions, building a balanced list of colleges, and the different components of the college application including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Live transcription will be available.
- Wed, January 20 · 6:30 PM EST
Learn About Tuition Break, a Program That Can Help You Lower College Costs 2027
Did you know that New England residents can enroll at out-of-state public colleges at a discount? In this January 2027 webinar, presented by Lyndsay Parks, Program Coordinator of Tuition Break for the New England Board of Higher Education, learn more about Tuition Break, a savings program specifically for New England residents that can save families approximately $8,500 per year. Over 3,000 degree programs are available.
- Mon, January 25 · 6:30 PM EST
Early College Planning, co-sponsored by East Bridgewater Public Library 2027
This webinar, co-sponsored by East Bridgewater Public Library, is for parents with children in middle school and high school and will describe information and resources that families can use to put a college savings plan in place, steps to take in academic planning, and tools students and parents should consider when beginning the college search. Live transcription will be available.
- Tue, February 2 · 6:30 PM EST
Athletics in College Admissions 2027
This webinar, presented by Dr. Mike Janicki, Ed.D, School Counselor at Old Rochester Regional High School, will discuss athletics in college admissions. Topics will include sports divisions, eligibility, the college search, and key issues to consider throughout this process. Live transcription will be available.
- Tue, February 9 · 6:30 PM EST
The Power of the U.Plan 2027
Learn how to lock in tomorrow’s tuition at today’s prices with the U.Plan, the Massachusetts Prepaid Tuition Plan. This webinar will teach you how to enroll and contribute, share the list of participating colleges, and explain how to use the plan to guard against the increase in tuition at dozens of public and private Massachusetts colleges and universities. Note that the U.Plan is a savings plan option best for families with a child in 10th grade or younger. Live transcription will be available.
- Thu, February 11 · 6:30 PM EST
The Strategic College Search: How Students Can Find Their Best-Fit Schools
This webinar, presented by Dr. Amanda Sterk, Director of Accelerated Programs at Florida Southwestern State College and Dr. Timothy Poynton, Associate Professor at University of Massachusetts Boston, two experienced educators with a passion for helping students realize their full potential, will provide you with a roadmap for the college search process. With all the information available, it can be difficult to begin your college search and narrow down what’s most important. This webinar will introduce a systematic approach to gathering information as you research colleges, as well as explain the six keys to finding a good college fit. Live transcription will be available.
- Wed, February 24 · 12:00 PM EST
Preparing High School Students with Disabilities for College Success 2027
This webinar features panelists that share resources available to students with disabilities as they transition to postsecondary education.
- Wed, February 24 · 6:30 PM EST
College Planning for Middle School Families 2027
This webinar is for parents with children in middle school and will describe information and resources that families can use to put a college savings plan in place, as well as what tools students and parents should consider when beginning the college search. We will address the questions of how best to save for college, how saving impacts financial aid, where and how to begin the college search, and what role cost plays in the college decision. Live transcription will be available.
- Tue, March 2 · 6:30 PM EST
Applying for Private College Scholarships 2027
Private scholarships, which are those provided by organizations other than colleges and the government, can make a significant impact in helping cover college costs. In this webinar, you will learn where to find private scholarships, the best online search engines, tips for applying, and how to avoid scams. We’ll also explain how scholarships fit into the larger financial aid picture. Live transcription will be available.
- Thu, March 4 · 12:00 PM EST
College Admissions 2026-27
The college search and application process can be overwhelming. This webinar will help you establish a personalized admissions road map by addressing topics such as current trends in admissions, building a balanced list of colleges, and the different components of the college application including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Live transcription will be available.
- Thu, March 11 · 12:00 PM EST
Financial Aid Offers & the College Bill 2027
This webinar will provide valuable guidance for high school seniors who have received their college acceptance letters and financial aid offers and are trying to make the college decision. Topics will include an overview of different types of financial aid, an explanation of how to calculate the balance due at each college, and methods for paying the college bill. Live transcription will be available.
- Thu, March 18 · 6:30 PM EDT
Financial Aid 101 2026-27
This webinar will provide information and clarity on the entire college financial aid application process. You'll learn about financial aid applications and types of financial aid, the factors that determine your aid eligibility, how colleges determine the amount of aid to offer, and the details of financial aid offers. Live transcription will be available. A Spanish-language option is also offered.
- Wed, March 24 · 6:30 PM EDT
Q&A with Admissions Experts 2027
In this webinar you will hear from a panel of college admissions experts as they share their advice on how to launch a college search and apply to college. Bring all your questions about the college admissions process, including those focused on campus visits, college fairs, standardized tests, and applications. Live transcription will be available.
- Thu, March 25 · 6:30 PM EDT
Financial Aid Offers & the College Bill 2027
This webinar will provide valuable guidance for high school seniors who have received their college acceptance letters and financial aid offers and are trying to make the college decision. Topics will include an overview of different types of financial aid, an explanation of how to calculate the balance due at each college, and methods for paying the college bill. Live transcription will be available.
- Thu, April 1 · 6:30 PM EDT
College Admissions & MEFA Pathway 2027
The college search and application process can be overwhelming. This webinar will help you establish a personalized admissions road map by addressing topics such as current trends in admissions, building a balanced list of colleges, and the different components of the college application including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. You’ll also learn how to incorporate MEFA Pathway, MEFA’s free college and career planning portal for students in grades 6-12, into the college admissions process. Live transcription will be available.
- Wed, April 7 · 12:00 PM EDT
Managing Student Loan Repayment for Graduating College Seniors 2027
It’s important to stay on track with repayment of your student loans. This webinar will provide guidance on creating a budget, information on maintaining good credit, a smart plan for repayment, and helpful websites. Live transcription will be available.
- Thu, April 8 · 12:00 PM EDT
Financial Aid Offers & the College Bill 2027
This webinar will provide valuable guidance for high school seniors who have received their college acceptance letters and financial aid offers and are trying to make the college decision. Topics will include an overview of different types of financial aid, an explanation of how to calculate the balance due at each college, and methods for paying the college bill. Live transcription will be available.
- Thu, May 6 · 6:30 PM EDT
You’ve Placed the Deposit for College, Now What? 2027
About half of all full-time, college-going freshmen fail to graduate within 4 years, adding to both the time and cost of completing a degree. In this webinar, you’ll learn information and strategies to successfully navigate the transition from high school to college academically, socially, and financially in order to help keep you on track to graduate on time. Live transcription will be available.
- Tue, May 11 · 6:30 PM EDT
Financial Aid 101 2026-27
This webinar will provide information and clarity on the entire college financial aid application process. You'll learn about financial aid applications and types of financial aid, the factors that determine your aid eligibility, how colleges determine the amount of aid to offer, and the details of financial aid offers. Live transcription will be available. A Spanish-language option is also offered.
- Thu, May 13 · 6:30 PM EDT
College Admissions 2026-27
The college search and application process can be overwhelming. This webinar will help you establish a personalized admissions road map by addressing topics such as current trends in admissions, building a balanced list of colleges, and the different components of the college application including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Live transcription will be available.
- Tue, May 18 · 12:00 PM EDT
Attainable®: the ABLE Savings Plan 2026-27
The Attainable Savings Plan allows individuals with disabilities and their families to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for federal means-tested benefits. In this webinar, we will review the benefits, eligibility requirements, and plan details of Attainable, and explain how to easily set up an account. Live transcription will be available.
- Tue, May 18 · 6:30 PM EDT
Applying to 2-Year Colleges in Massachusetts 2027
This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the admissions and financial aid process for 2-year colleges, with a focus on community colleges in Massachusetts. Students and families will learn about the application process including key steps, timelines, and requirements specific to the state.
- Wed, May 19 · 12:00 PM EDT
Using Your U.Plan Funds 2027
This webinar is for individuals who have saved in the U.Plan and who are getting ready to use their funds. We will address questions such as “When can I request my U.Plan funds and when will they be paid to the college?,” “How do I calculate the U.Plan payment?,” and more. There will also be information on the available options if your child isn’t attending a U.Plan participating college. Live transcription will be available.
- Tue, June 1 · 12:00 PM EDT
Comparing College Loan Options 2027
There's a lot to consider when borrowing a loan to pay for college. This webinar will help you differentiate among college loan options and better understand the true cost of borrowing. Live transcription will be available.
- Wed, June 2 · 6:30 PM EDT
Borrowing for a Graduate Education 2027
Thinking of borrowing to help pay your graduate school costs? In this webinar, learn about recent changes to the federal loan programs that affect graduate students, the details you should know about private loans, and guidance for wise borrowing while pursuing a graduate degree. Live transcription will be available.
- Wed, June 16 · 12:00 PM EDT
Using Your U.Fund to Pay for College 2027
Congratulations U.Fund saver! You’ve saved for college through the MEFA U.Fund 529 College Investing Plan. Now what? Pulling together all your resources to pay for college can still be challenging as you approach that college bill deadline. At this point you may be wondering, do I use all my savings at once or spread it out to pay for college expenses little by little over time? In this webinar you will hear key details about how to use your U.Fund and other resources to pay the college bill, ways to cover the gap, including education loans, and other decision points you’ll have along the way. We will also speak to a combination strategy that families like yours may use to manage college costs over all the years ahead. Live transcription will be available.
- Wed, July 14 · 6:30 PM EDT
Comparing College Loan Options 2027
There's a lot to consider when borrowing a loan to pay for college. This webinar will help you differentiate among college loan options and better understand the true cost of borrowing. Live transcription will be available.
- Thu, August 12 · 12:00 PM EDT
Attainable®: the ABLE Savings Plan 2026-27
The Attainable Savings Plan allows individuals with disabilities and their families to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for federal means-tested benefits. In this webinar, we will review the benefits, eligibility requirements, and plan details of Attainable, and explain how to easily set up an account. Live transcription will be available.
Past sessions
- The College Planning Process for Students with Complex Immigration Statuses in Spanish (El Proceso de Planificacion Postsecundaria para los Estudiantes con Estatus Migratorio Especial) 2026 — Oct 28, 2026
- Financial Aid 101 2026-27 — Oct 27, 2026
- FAFSA Festival Fall 2026 — Oct 21, 2026
- Financial Aid 101 in Spanish (Ayuda Económica para la Universidad 101) 2026 — Oct 15, 2026
- Financial Aid 101 2026-27 — Oct 14, 2026
- Ask an Expert All Your CSS Profile Questions 2026 — Oct 13, 2026
- Saving for College Fall 2026 — Oct 7, 2026
- Learn About MassTransfer 2026 — Oct 7, 2026
- MEFA Institute: Financial Aid 101 for School Counselors — Sep 22, 2026
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