Paying for College

The Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance has compiled a list of resources to help you navigate the process of applying for financial aid and paying for college.

Getting Started

Student Aid on the Web The US Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website. Here you can learn about the different types of federal aid available and what the eligibility criteria are for them. This is a fantastic resource and a great first step in learning what financial aid resources are available to you.

MEFA Pathway The Massachusetts College and Career Planning Portal. You can create an account and track your college applications online and research and apply for financial aid.

Big Future - The College Board Big Future is a college planning resource from the College Board

College Navigator A database to help you search college programs by academic field of study, location, cost, and length.

Applying for Aid

FAFSA  The online Free Application for Federal Student Aid

MASFA The state-approved form equivalent to the FAFSA, specifically for students who cannot complete the FAFSA

Federal Student Aid Estimator  This is a tool to estimate your eligibility for Federal Student Aid before submitting your FAFSA

Financial Aid Glossary Confused by all of the acronyms? Here is a glossary of financial aid terms.

College Affordability and Transparency Center The US Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center 

FastWeb An online resource to help you find outside scholarships.

Need more help?

The following resources offer in-person college planning and financial aid assistance.

FAFSA Day Massachusetts FAFSA Day Massachusetts is a non-profit, volunteer driven program providing free assistance to students and families seeking to complete the FAFSA. There are dozens of locations across the Commonwealth on several dates in the winter and early spring of each year.

MEFA Seminars Attend a MEFA College Financing Seminar or Webinar

ASA College Planning Centers Find an American Student Assistance College Planning Center

MassEdCo A statewide network of service sites that provide education and career advising, free of charge.


Info & Tools for Students