Financial Aid
New for 2021:
The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) offers a variety of live webinars and recorded videos outlining the entire financial aid process and filling out the FAFSA. You can check them out HERE. There are a number of webinars happening during the month of October:
October 18th, 4:00 - 8:00pm - the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA is offering live, virtual, one-on-one support with completing the FAFSA. Register here.
October 20th, 6:30 - 7:30pm- “Financing College” Webinar offered by (MEFA). Register here.
October 21st, 6:30 - 7:30pm - “Financing College” Webinar offered by MEFA. Register here.
October 25th, 3:00 - 4:00pm - “Financing College” Webinar offered by MEFA. Register here.
Financial Aid Resources and FAQs
What is the FAFSA and when do I fill it out?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form you complete to apply for financial aid for college. The FAFSA is available on October 1st the year before you plan to enroll in college. For example, if you plan to enroll in college for the 2022-2023 academic year, the FAFSA is available on October 1st 2021. This form is free of charge and available at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
How is the amount of federal student aid determined for a student?
The colleges you list on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will use the information you provide to calculate what is called, “Expected Family Contribution” (EFC.) Your EFC is an index number that college financial aid staff use to determine how much financial aid you would receive if you were to attend their school. The EFC is calculated according to a formula that uses aspects such as your family size, your family's taxed and untaxed income, assets, benefits, and how many family members are currently in college. For more information related to understanding financial aid, click here.
What is the CSS Profile?
The CSS Profile is an additional financial aid application required by some specific colleges and universities It differs from the FAFSA in that it is an application for institutional (the colleges’ own) versus federal aid. To see the list of colleges requiring the CSS Profile and to access the application, click here.
Where can I receive additional information or assistance?
The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) offers free resources, including videos, webinars, and phone consultations. See more information here.
The Federal Student Aid Website provides in-depth information about the college financial aid process.
We also encourage you to check the websites of the colleges to which you are applying for information about their specific financial aid requirements and deadlines. Check the Financial Aid websites.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information
http://www.cappex.com/scholarships
Massachusetts Education Financing Authority
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Register for a PIN
CSS Profile
https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/index.jsp
Citizens Bank
http://www.citizensbank.com/edu/scholarshipsearch
http://www.citizensbank.com/tipsforstudents
Higher Education Information Center
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs
Phone Numbers for Financial Aid Organizations