The MEFA Podcast

Episode #57. Host Jonathan Hughes first does a very special version of the MEFA Mailbag where he and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna answer some frequently asked questions about the FAFSA and the financial aid process. Then both Jonathan and Julie talk with Mark Salisbury, the founder and CEO of TuitionFit, an organization that aims to provide college price transparency. They discuss gaps in admissions and financial aid transparency at colleges, how students and their families can determine which school makes the most financial sense, and how they’ve been able to put this process into practice using real financial aid offers. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #56. Host Jonathan Hughes talks to co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna about Federal Direct Student Loans returning to repayment. Julie explains a new repayment option called SAVE. Then, they go into the MEFA Mailbag and answer a question about reporting 529 college saving accounts on the FAFSA for this upcoming year. Finally, Jonathan sits down with Beth Probst of At the Core, an organization that helps students make plans for their future. They discuss how At the Core helps students and families plan for college and careers using assessments, webinars, and one-on-one meetings. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #53. Host Jonathan Hughes first talks to co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna about an online panel she moderated with Robert Dais, Director of GEAR UP Robert Dais, Iris Godes, Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management at Framingham State University, Monica Blonden, Assistant Dean of Enrollment for Financial Aid at Assumption University, Jillian Glaze, Director of Financial Aid at Bunker Hill Community College, and Dr. Clantha McCurdy, Senior Deputy Commissioner at the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance. They discuss the Massachusetts campaign The Time is Now for students still making a plan for college this fall. Then they go to the MEFA Mailbag where they answer a question about parents with foreign tax returns. Finally, Jonathan has a discussion about Attainable, the ABLE Savings Plan, with Community Outreach Manager for MEFA Savings Programs Adam Hartwell. They discuss investing with Attainable, benefits of the program, and the different types of qualified expenses. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #52. Host Jonathan Hughes first talks to the Director of MEFA Pathway, Jennifer Bento-Pinyoun, about new features and tools on the website. Then, Jonathan and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna discuss MEFA’s The Time is Now campaign for recent high school grads. Finally, Jonathan has a discussion with the new Director of GEAR UP in Worcester, Steve Winston. about Steve’s background, how he came to his new position, what GEAR UP and MassEdCo can provide, and much more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #51. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Julie Shields-Rutyna about FAFSA Simplification, including financial aid experts’ opinions from MEFA’s Round Table Discussion hosted earlier this month. Then Jonathan and Julie go to the MEFA Mailbag to answer a questions about using the U.Fund to pay for college. Finally, Jonathan has a conversation with Director of the Massachusetts GEAR UP Program, Robert Dais. They discuss Robert’s career trajectory, the GEAR UP Program and what it does, as well as what “summer melt” is and how to help curb it. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #49. Host Jonathan Hughes first answers a question from the MEFA Mailbag about the timeline of applying for private loans and when to plan for repayment. Then Jonathan sits down with Sherri Geller, the Co-Director of College Counseling at Gann Academy in Waltham, Massachusetts. They discuss what rising high school seniors can do in the summer months to prepare for the college application process. Topics include the Common App, college essays, letters of recommendation, and more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #47. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna first interview Community Outreach Manager for MEFA Savings Programs, Adam Hartwell, about 529 Day and the Attainable Savings Plan. Then they go to the MEFA Mailbag to discuss financial aid and early decision. Finally, Jonathan talks with the Program Director of Veterans Upward Bound at Suffolk University, Nick Charrette. They discuss the program, their new tutoring aspect, as well as Nick’s journey with college and the Army. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #45. Host Jonathan Hughes talks to high school seniors Lindsey Blais and Muhammad Salla about their college journey, including the application process, the financial aid process, their decision of which school to attend and why, and advice for other students. This episode was recorded and filmed at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School’s TV Production Studio. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #43. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna talk to Mark Stucker of the Your College-Bound Kid podcast. Mark is also an author and the founder and owner of School Match 4U, a personalized educational consulting firm. They discuss Mark’s podcast, alternatives to college, how to conduct a holistic college search, the value of college, and several college admissions trends, including test-optional and test-free schools, virtual admissions, and more. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.

Episode #42. Host Jonathan Hughes discusses MEFA’s How to Pay for College campaign with co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna, including the webinars, seminars, tools, and guidance that MEFA is offering this upcoming spring for high school seniors and their families. Then they go to the MEFA Mailbag to discuss how to report properties and income on the FAFSA. Jonathan then talks to the CEO of MassEdCO, Mark Bilotta, about the services and tools MassEdCO offers as well as Mark’s career in financial aid and financial literacy. If you enjoy the MEFA Podcast, please leave us a review.