MEFA Blog

MEFA Videos

Our videos are great college planning resources that provide information and guidance to help your family prepare for the future. Find videos by clicking on the categories listed below. This page includes all of our recorded webinars.

Supporting Students and Families with Complex Immigration Statuses in Postsecondary Planning
While undocumented students face many barriers to college, it is still possible for them to get a college education. In this webinar, presented by Andrea Keenan, Director of College and Career Counseling at Excel Academy Charter Schools, attendees learn about admissions standards at both public and private universities and how to maximize credits and time for DACA and undocumented students through dual-enrollment and concurrent enrollment opportunities across states, high schools, and community colleges. There's also a discussion about financing options for students with different documentation statuses.
Redeeming Your Gift of College Gift Card
Gift of College gift cards, available at CVS locations in Massachusetts, provide friends and family members a tangible way to contribute toward a child's college savings account to commemorate a birthday, graduation, holiday, or any other special event, or to simply give the gift of future education. Learn how to create a Gift of College account and add your gift card funds to your U.Fund College Investing account.
Using Your ABLE Account for Qualified Transportation Expenses
Did you know you can use your Attainable account to pay for a variety of qualified transportation expenses, including public transportation, rideshare services, and purchasing a vehicle? Get the details in our video, and learn more about Attainable on our Attainable overview page.
Paying the College Bill
This webinar provides valuable guidance for families on different methods to pay for college costs. Topics include understanding financial aid and ways to pay the college bill, including 529 and prepaid tuition plans, college payment plans, and loans.
MEFA Institute: Summer Loan Training for College Admins
Join MEFA’s College Relations Team to learn more about the MEFA Loan program and processing news for the upcoming school year. In this training, college administrators learn the details of MEFA’s new 2024-25 academic year loans, operational changes, and process enhancements. Attendees also learn about MEFA resources available to financial aid administrators throughout the year such as entrance and exit counseling materials and customized staff trainings based on the needs of your institution.
MEFA's Student Loan Payment Calculator
If you’re considering a MEFA Loan to pay the college bill, it’s important that you understand what it will cost you when it’s time for repayment. MEFA's Student Loan Payment Calculator will help you estimate your potential monthly payment on a MEFA Loan, as well as the estimated interest rate, APR, and total cost of the loan for each repayment option. Use the calculator.
Comparing College Loan Options

There's a lot to consider when borrowing a loan to pay for college. This webinar help you differentiate among college loan options and better understand the true cost of borrowing.
College Admissions Declassified
Have you ever wondered what REALLY happens behind closed doors in the world of college admissions offices? What are they really thinking when reading students' essays, evaluating transcripts, conducting interviews, and, most importantly, making decisions on applications? In this webinar, a college admissions insider shares his insight.
Using Your ABLE Account for Qualified Housing Expenses
Did you know you can use your Attainable account to pay for a variety of qualified housing expenses, including rent, mortgage, and property taxes? Get the details in our video, and learn more about Attainable at https://www.mefa.org/save/able-account
MEFA Pathway's My Budget Activity
Middle school students can practice money management by exploring MEFA Pathway’s My Budget activity. This activity helps students learn how to create a budget, and is perfect for students who have a summer job and want to track their income and expenses. Students can visit mefapathway.org to create an account and start using the tool.