Financial Aid

Students who are considering any post-secondary institution or program should apply for financial aid as early as the fall of their Senior Year. Financial aid can be in the form of merit aid/scholarship money, which does not need to be paid back. Financial aid can also be awarded to students in the form of loans, which is money that does need to be paid back.

Financial Aid Options  

Students and their families have access to many federal and state financial aid options. Massachusetts has about $400 million in state financial aid programs, and the Department of Higher Education’s website details a substantial number of state opportunities.  

• Federal Financial Aid  

Federal financial aid includes possible access to grants, work-study, and loans funded by the federal government. The most significant grant is the federal Pell Grant for students with exceptional financial need.  

• Free and More Affordable Public Four-Year Degrees 

Students who are Pell Grant-eligible receive free tuition and fees at Massachusetts’ public four-year colleges and universities, including nine state universities and the University of Massachusetts. Pell Grant-eligible students on these campuses also receive an allowance of up to $1,200 for books and supplies. Some middle-income students are also eligible for reduced costs.  

• Free Community College  

In Massachusetts, we’ve made community college tuition and fee free for all students. Students may qualify for an allowance of up to $1,200 for books and supplies based on income level. Some students may also be eligible for an additional allowance (up to $1,200) to help with other costs of attending college.  

• Other State Aid  

From need-based aid to scholarships in different fields, Massachusetts offers financial support that can be used at public or private colleges throughout the state.   

In August 2023, Massachusetts passed a Tuition Equity Law that created a pathway allowing all students, namely undocumented students, to access state higher education benefits through the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). Some students who are not eligible for federal aid might be eligible for state aid by completing the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). These benefits include in-state tuition at Massachusetts public institutions and eligibility for state financial aid programs at public and private higher education institutions in Massachusetts.

Instructions for Students  

The federal government’s FAFSA website includes tips for families, and entities such as the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) provide information and continuing supports during the school year for educators, counselors, administrators, students , and their families.  

Paying for College

The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) offers webinars on college financing and other topics. Please visit the following link to register for upcoming events: https://www.mefa.org/events College Financing Webinars are offered on several different days and would be the best source of information on the college financial aid process. 

Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)

Our Mission: College Affordability for All

We, the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, are a state authority with an essential public function, committed to helping students and their families plan, save, and pay for college and reach financial goals.

What We Do

Guide Families

Our College Planning Team offers live webinars, as well as support via phone, email, and one-on-one appointments, to help families, in real time, navigate every stage of planning for college and beyond.

Create Resources

Our articles, calculators, videos, podcast, and email curriculum are designed by our expert staff to stay relevant, timely, and comprehensive.

Focus on Students

MEFA Pathway, our free college and career planning website, guides students in grades 6-12 toward a future that fits them best.

Train Partners

We provide trainings for school counselors, college access professionals, and college administrators to share our knowledge on a range of college planning topics, including financial aid, admissions, and student loans.

Provide Financial Solutions

Our tax-advantaged savings plans allow families to save for college and disability expenses, while our competitive, fixed-rate loans offer an affordable financing (and refinancing) option for a college education.

Explore what MEFA has to offer 

FAFSA

Any student/family who is looking for financial assistance in college must complete the free Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can submit this form beginning on October 1 of their senior year. We recommend filling this out close to October 1 in order to get the most aid possible. The steps are as follows:

1. Student and 1 parent/guardian will create an FSA ID at Create an Account (this can be done anytime)

2. Gather tax documents and W-2's for the most recent tax year

3. Starting October 1, log-in to FAFSA Website using the student's FSA ID and complete the FAFSA form. Students must have at least one college listed on their FAFSA to submit, and they can go back in and add more colleges as necessary.

Additional helpful FAFSA information can be found at this link

Check out this FAFSA Step-by-Step Guide that walks students and families through each question of the FAFSA, including screenshots and explanations and a FAQ page for students with special circumstances.

Students or families who have questions about the form can inquire with their student’s school counselor or find help through the state’s FAFSA assistance page.  

CSS Profile

https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/

The CSS Profile is a financial aid form similar to the FAFSA, but it is only required by some private schools, and it costs money to fill out. Information on whether a college requires the CSS Profile can be found on the financial aid section of their websites.

Strategies For Getting a Better Financial Aid Package

• Leave no stone unturned: Try all possible sources of financial aid. The more sources you explore, the greater your chance of success.

• Contact Each School: Look into financial aid possibilities at each school you are considering. Write to the financial aid office as soon as you send in your application for admission. Remember that applying for financial aid does not impact your chances of gaining acceptance by colleges.

• Apply Early: Apply for financial aid as early as possible. Though deadlines for individual schools vary, the application for Federal Student Aid can be sent any time after January 1. An early application will help you gain the best possible financial package possible.

• Apply and Reapply: Do not forget to apply for financial aid each and every year you are in school. Even if you receive aid during one year, you must reapply to get it for the next year.

• Get to know your financial aid officer: Establish a relationship with the financial aid officer. This way you can talk to someone you know if questions arise during the year.

• Be Prepared: Consider filing taxes as early in the year as possible. Do not wait until the April 15 deadline. You need information from your tax forms in order to complete the financial aid applications. It is better to input information from actual forms rather than to make estimates.