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.
Federal Student Aid: Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website to explore federal financial aid options, learn about eligibility requirements, and find resources to help you get started.
MEFA Pathway: The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) offers a free college and career planning platform designed for students in grades 6-12 to explore careers, plan education pathways, and manage college applications.
Big Future - The College Board: Big Future is a free College Board resource that helps students explore colleges and careers, plan for their future, and find scholarship opportunities.
College Navigator: Use the National Center for Education Statistics’ database to help you search college programs by academic field of study, location, cost, and length.
FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for financial aid for college, career school, or graduate school.
MASFA: Complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA), the state-approved form equivalent to the FAFSA, specifically for students who cannot complete the FAFSA, to be considered for MA state financial aid.
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 U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center (CATC) helps compare college costs, net prices and financial aid information to help students and families make informed decisions about higher education.
FastWeb: An online resource to help you find outside scholarships.
The following resources offer in-person and virtual 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 Webinars: Attend a Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) webinar or visit their Resource Center.
Connect @MassDHE
