Student Loans and Guidance on Ways to Pay for College
Source: https://mefa.org
Archived: 2026-04-23 14:52
Student Loans and Guidance on Ways to Pay for College
Coming Soon! 2026-27 Grad Loans with Fixed Rates
Graduate
Enhanced Loan Programs Include:
Master’s & Doctorate
Dental
Health Professions
Law
Medical
Learn More
Graduate
Enhanced Loan Programs Include:
Master’s & Doctorate
Dental
Health Professions
Law
Medical
Learn More
Helping you plan, save, and pay for college
Sign up for emails to receive the latest guidance on college and career planning
Sign Up Today
Sign up for emails to receive the latest guidance on college and career planning
Sign Up Today
This information from MEFA will help me so much to guide my son in his college path. Thank you!
Start Planning
Locking in rates with MEFA’s U.Plan when tuition costs continue to steadily rise is a tremendous value.
Start Saving
MEFA has the best interest rates by far of all the places we looked. I’m so happy we learned about MEFA.
Start Paying
Planning
Saving
Paying
Providing you tools and resources to plan for your child’s future
Whether you’re the parent of a young child, a high schooler planning for your degree, or a college student looking ahead to a career, MEFA has the information you need to map out a plan for tackling what’s ahead.
Pre-K & Elementary
Middle School
High School
College
EXTERNAL
College Planning Tool
Saving
How Much Should You Save for College?
4-min read
Saving
Should You Open a U.Plan or U.Fund?
4-min read
Saving
College Savings Calculator
Interactive tool
Saving
The U.Fund
2-min video
Planning
MEFA Pathway for Middle School Students
4-min read
Planning
Navigating High School Academics
4-min read
Planning
The Proven Path to Help Your Middle Schooler Thrive
4-min read
Paying
Will Applying for Financial Aid Affect My Chances for Admission?
4-min read
Planning
Applying to College
3-min read
Planning
Creating a Balanced College List
5-min read
Paying
What You Need to Know About Merit-Based Financial Aid
3-min read
Planning
8 Tips for College Students on Using LinkedIn
3-min read
Planning
Money-Saving Tips for College Students
4-min read
Paying
Understanding Private Loans
4-min read
Planning
How to Prepare for the Job Search
3-min read
Announcements
Enhanced MEFA Graduate Loans for 2026-27
New programs coming with fixed interest rates, up to 48 months deferment, and options for an extended grace period.
Learn More
Receive a $50 U.Fund Account Match
Through NextSteps, MEFA will match $50 in contributions into a new U.Fund account for children 1-3 years old.
See If You Qualify
Gift of College & Gift of Independence Gift Cards
Purchase an e-gift card to help a loved one save for college or disability-related expenses or pay down college loan debt.
Give the Gift of Savings Today
Get a Financial Aid Overview
Our dedicated page provides resources to help you learn all about the process.
Learn About Financial Aid
Complete Your FAFSA
The FAFSA is now open to apply for 2026-27 financial aid.
Learn About the FAFSA
College Loans 3.29%-8.89% APR*
Fixed interest rates, multiple repayment options, no application or origination fees, and an instant decision on complete applications
MEFA | LOANS
Undergraduate
Learn More
*The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is designed to help consumers understand the relative cost of a loan and reflects MEFA’s current underwriting criteria, loan rates, and deferment period assumptions. MEFA’s lowest rates are only available to the most creditworthy applicants.
Start saving for their future today
Our savings products allow you to set aside funds to pay for college and disability-related expenses in tax-advantaged accounts
Lock in tomorrow’s tuition at today’s prices by saving in our prepaid tuition program
You can use your savings in the Massachusetts 529 college savings plan at any eligible institution in the country
Save for the health and personal expenses of individuals with disabilities without affecting federal benefits
You have options when it comes to paying for college
Our guidance on financial aid can help you navigate the process, and our fixed-rate loans offer financing solutions. We also have information on programs to save on the cost of college for MA residents.
MEFA Loans
Financial Aid
Refinancing
MA Programs
Borrow for College
Take advantage of competitive, fixed interest rates with no application or origination fees and multiple repayment options
Explore MEFA Loans
Paying
Key Terms to Know About Student Loans
4-min read
Paying
Undergraduate Loan Payment Calculator
Interactive tool
Paying
Understanding Private Loans
4-min read
Money for College
Learn about the applications you’ll need to submit, how the process works, and what you might find on a financial aid offer
Explore Financial Aid
Paying
Financial Aid Applications
4-min read
Paying
Different Types of Student Financial Aid
5-min read
Paying
Financial Aid Eligibility
3-min read
Lower Your Education Debt
Refinancing your existing college loans could lower your interest rate and monthly payment
Learn About Refinancing
Paying
Should I Refinance My Student Loans?
5-min read
Paying
Student Loan Refinancing Calculator
Interactive tool
Paying
Student Loan Consolidation vs. Refinancing
3-min read
Saving on MA College Costs
If you’re a MA resident, there are opportunities available to help you save on the cost of your college degree
Learn About MA Programs
Paying
All About Massachusetts State Financial Aid
4-min read
Paying
MassTransfer
25-min listen
Paying
The MASFA: A Massachusetts Financial Aid Application for Undocumented Students
6-min read
Our Goal: College Affordability
Helping Families Since 1982
Created at the Request of MA Colleges
Focused on Student Success
Guiding Principles
Learn More About MEFA
Solutions That Make Sense
Tax-Advantaged Savings Plans
Fixed-Rate Loans
Expert Guidance
Community Partnerships
Explore Ways to Pay for College
MEFA Undergraduate Loan Payment Calculator
Labels
Immediate Repayment: 10 Years
Immediate Repayment: 15 Years
Interest-Only Repayment: 15 Years
Deferred Repayment: 15 Years
Student Deferred with Co-Borrower Release: 15 Years
In-School Monthly Payment*
Post-School Monthly Payment*
Total Cost of Loan
Interest Rate
APR**
3.29% – 8.64%
4.09% – 8.74%
7.24% – 8.89%
7.44% – 8.84%
7.49% – 8.89%
Repayment Terms
†
Student Deferred with Co-borrower Release
In-School monthly payment*
Post School Monthly Payment*
Total Cost of Loan
Interest Rate
APR
In-School monthly payment*
Post School Monthly Payment*
Total Cost of Loan
Interest Rate
APR
In-School monthly payment*
Post School Monthly Payment*
Total Cost of Loan
Interest Rate
APR
In-School monthly payment*
Post School Monthly Payment*
Total Cost of Loan
Interest Rate
APR
In-School monthly payment*
Post School Monthly Payment*
Total Cost of Loan
Interest Rate
APR
*All loans have a minimum monthly payment of $50.
**The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is designed to help consumers understand the relative cost of a loan and reflects the loan’s interest rate, timing of payments, and deferment period assumptions. The lowest rates are only available to the most creditworthy applicants. Maximum deferment is 5 years. All payment information provided by this calculator is an estimate only. All monthly payment figures, loan balances, and total cost figures are estimates based on data you provided on the data input screens. Your actual loan payments and estimated total payment may vary based on the type of loan, interest rate, loan term, and your repayment habits.
Popular Tools & Key Guidance
Related Resources
View All
Paying
The MASFA: A Massachusetts Financial Aid Application for Undocumented Students
6-min read
Paying
Graduate Loan Payment Calculator
Interactive tool
Paying
Scholarships for Students Attending Trade School
4-min read
Paying
Scholarships with June Deadlines
3-min read
View All
Contact Us
Email Us
[email protected]
Give Us a Call
(800) 449-MEFA (6332)
Meet with Us Virtually
Schedule an Appointment
Select Your Language
Coming Soon! 2026-27 Grad Loans with Fixed Rates
Graduate
Enhanced Loan Programs Include:
Master’s & Doctorate
Dental
Health Professions
Law
Medical
Learn More
Graduate
Enhanced Loan Programs Include:
Master’s & Doctorate
Dental
Health Professions
Law
Medical
Learn More
Helping you plan, save, and pay for college
Sign up for emails to receive the latest guidance on college and career planning
Sign Up Today
Sign up for emails to receive the latest guidance on college and career planning
Sign Up Today
This information from MEFA will help me so much to guide my son in his college path. Thank you!
Start Planning
Locking in rates with MEFA’s U.Plan when tuition costs continue to steadily rise is a tremendous value.
Start Saving
MEFA has the best interest rates by far of all the places we looked. I’m so happy we learned about MEFA.
Start Paying
Planning
Saving
Paying
Providing you tools and resources to plan for your child’s future
Whether you’re the parent of a young child, a high schooler planning for your degree, or a college student looking ahead to a career, MEFA has the information you need to map out a plan for tackling what’s ahead.
Pre-K & Elementary
Middle School
High School
College
EXTERNAL
College Planning Tool
Saving
How Much Should You Save for College?
4-min read
Saving
Should You Open a U.Plan or U.Fund?
4-min read
Saving
College Savings Calculator
Interactive tool
Saving
The U.Fund
2-min video
Planning
MEFA Pathway for Middle School Students
4-min read
Planning
Navigating High School Academics
4-min read
Planning
The Proven Path to Help Your Middle Schooler Thrive
4-min read
Paying
Will Applying for Financial Aid Affect My Chances for Admission?
4-min read
Planning
Applying to College
3-min read
Planning
Creating a Balanced College List
5-min read
Paying
What You Need to Know About Merit-Based Financial Aid
3-min read
Planning
8 Tips for College Students on Using LinkedIn
3-min read
Planning
Money-Saving Tips for College Students
4-min read
Paying
Understanding Private Loans
4-min read
Planning
How to Prepare for the Job Search
3-min read
Announcements
Enhanced MEFA Graduate Loans for 2026-27
New programs coming with fixed interest rates, up to 48 months deferment, and options for an extended grace period.
Learn More
Receive a $50 U.Fund Account Match
Through NextSteps, MEFA will match $50 in contributions into a new U.Fund account for children 1-3 years old.
See If You Qualify
Gift of College & Gift of Independence Gift Cards
Purchase an e-gift card to help a loved one save for college or disability-related expenses or pay down college loan debt.
Give the Gift of Savings Today
Get a Financial Aid Overview
Our dedicated page provides resources to help you learn all about the process.
Learn About Financial Aid
Complete Your FAFSA
The FAFSA is now open to apply for 2026-27 financial aid.
Learn About the FAFSA
College Loans 3.29%-8.89% APR*
Fixed interest rates, multiple repayment options, no application or origination fees, and an instant decision on complete applications
MEFA | LOANS
Undergraduate
Learn More
*The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is designed to help consumers understand the relative cost of a loan and reflects MEFA’s current underwriting criteria, loan rates, and deferment period assumptions. MEFA’s lowest rates are only available to the most creditworthy applicants.
Start saving for their future today
Our savings products allow you to set aside funds to pay for college and disability-related expenses in tax-advantaged accounts
Lock in tomorrow’s tuition at today’s prices by saving in our prepaid tuition program
You can use your savings in the Massachusetts 529 college savings plan at any eligible institution in the country
Save for the health and personal expenses of individuals with disabilities without affecting federal benefits
You have options when it comes to paying for college
Our guidance on financial aid can help you navigate the process, and our fixed-rate loans offer financing solutions. We also have information on programs to save on the cost of college for MA residents.
MEFA Loans
Financial Aid
Refinancing
MA Programs
Borrow for College
Take advantage of competitive, fixed interest rates with no application or origination fees and multiple repayment options
Explore MEFA Loans
Paying
Key Terms to Know About Student Loans
4-min read
Paying
Undergraduate Loan Payment Calculator
Interactive tool
Paying
Understanding Private Loans
4-min read
Money for College
Learn about the applications you’ll need to submit, how the process works, and what you might find on a financial aid offer
Explore Financial Aid
Paying
Financial Aid Applications
4-min read
Paying
Different Types of Student Financial Aid
5-min read
Paying
Financial Aid Eligibility
3-min read
Lower Your Education Debt
Refinancing your existing college loans could lower your interest rate and monthly payment
Learn About Refinancing
Paying
Should I Refinance My Student Loans?
5-min read
Paying
Student Loan Refinancing Calculator
Interactive tool
Paying
Student Loan Consolidation vs. Refinancing
3-min read
Saving on MA College Costs
If you’re a MA resident, there are opportunities available to help you save on the cost of your college degree
Learn About MA Programs
Paying
All About Massachusetts State Financial Aid
4-min read
Paying
MassTransfer
25-min listen
Paying
The MASFA: A Massachusetts Financial Aid Application for Undocumented Students
6-min read
Our Goal: College Affordability
Helping Families Since 1982
Created at the Request of MA Colleges
Focused on Student Success
Guiding Principles
Learn More About MEFA
Solutions That Make Sense
Tax-Advantaged Savings Plans
Fixed-Rate Loans
Expert Guidance
Community Partnerships
Explore Ways to Pay for College
MEFA Undergraduate Loan Payment Calculator
Labels
Immediate Repayment: 10 Years
Immediate Repayment: 15 Years
Interest-Only Repayment: 15 Years
Deferred Repayment: 15 Years
Student Deferred with Co-Borrower Release: 15 Years
In-School Monthly Payment*
Post-School Monthly Payment*
Total Cost of Loan
Interest Rate
APR**
3.29% – 8.64%
4.09% – 8.74%
7.24% – 8.89%
7.44% – 8.84%
7.49% – 8.89%
Repayment Terms
†
Student Deferred with Co-borrower Release
In-School monthly payment*
Post School Monthly Payment*
Total Cost of Loan
Interest Rate
APR
In-School monthly payment*
Post School Monthly Payment*
Total Cost of Loan
Interest Rate
APR
In-School monthly payment*
Post School Monthly Payment*
Total Cost of Loan
Interest Rate
APR
In-School monthly payment*
Post School Monthly Payment*
Total Cost of Loan
Interest Rate
APR
In-School monthly payment*
Post School Monthly Payment*
Total Cost of Loan
Interest Rate
APR
*All loans have a minimum monthly payment of $50.
**The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is designed to help consumers understand the relative cost of a loan and reflects the loan’s interest rate, timing of payments, and deferment period assumptions. The lowest rates are only available to the most creditworthy applicants. Maximum deferment is 5 years. All payment information provided by this calculator is an estimate only. All monthly payment figures, loan balances, and total cost figures are estimates based on data you provided on the data input screens. Your actual loan payments and estimated total payment may vary based on the type of loan, interest rate, loan term, and your repayment habits.
Popular Tools & Key Guidance
Related Resources
View All
Paying
The MASFA: A Massachusetts Financial Aid Application for Undocumented Students
6-min read
Paying
Graduate Loan Payment Calculator
Interactive tool
Paying
Scholarships for Students Attending Trade School
4-min read
Paying
Scholarships with June Deadlines
3-min read
View All
Contact Us
Email Us
[email protected]
Give Us a Call
(800) 449-MEFA (6332)
Meet with Us Virtually
Schedule an Appointment
Select Your Language