The MEFA Podcast

Host Jonathan Hughes sits down for a conversation with Jonathan Paz of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugees Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition about the new state financial aid form for immigrant students, the MASFA.

Host Jonathan Hughes sits down for a conversation about historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with Senior Associate Director of Scholarships at Howard University, Dr. Danette Burgess.

Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna discuss the most common issues that have come up for families while trying to file the 2024-25 FAFSA.

Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna answer a MEFA Mailbag question about 529 plans on the FAFSA. Then MEFA’s Lauren Danz discusses 3 scholarships that have February deadlines.

Host Jonathan Hughes sits down with three freshman from King Phillip High School, Tanmayee Kollouri, Laura Da Silva, and Ella Bailey. They participate in the DECA Program at their school with a focus on college student loans.

Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna discuss the new 2024-25 FAFSA and the issues that have arisen, how to file the form, and what to do if problems arise.

Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna answer a whole range of questions regarding FAFSA Simplification and the new 2024-25 FAFSA.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Bright Horizon College Coach’s Sara Calvert-Kubrom about how students can use social media to their advantage in the college admissions process.

Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna first talk about exciting news about when the FAFSA will be available to fill out this year. Then they answer a mailbag question about the FAFSA and who gets to file as an independent student. Then Jonathan has a conversation with Brendan Melican. Brendan is a Worcester resident and student at Quinsigamond Community College

Host Jonathan Hughes speaks with Justin Draeger, President and CEO of NASFAA, about what NASFAA is, how they operate, how they help shape financial aid policy with Congress, and the future of financial aid policy.

Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna have a conversation with Director of Student Financial Services at Wheaton College Susan Beard on the topic of applying for financial aid with separated or divorced parents.

Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna answer some frequently asked questions about the FAFSA and the financial aid process. Then they talk with the founder and CEO of TuitionFit, Mark Salisbury, about gaps in admissions and financial aid transparency at colleges and how to determine which school makes the most financial sense.

Host Jonathan Hughes first talks with Julie about Federal Direct Student Loans going into repayment. Then they go to the MEFA Mailbag and answer a question about reporting savings accounts on the FAFSA. Finally, Jonathan sits down with Beth Probst of At the Core.

Host Jonathan Hughes has a conversation with the BabySteps Director of Program Evaluation Daphna Gluck on what the BabySteps Program is, its success so far, program improvements, and a brand new initiative, SNAP into BabySteps.

Host Jonathan Hughes is joined by President of Mount Wachusett Community College Jim Vander Hooven and Executive Director of Massachusetts Community Colleges Association Nate Mackinnon to discuss MassReconnect, a new Massachusetts program that pays for tuition and fees at any MA community college for anyone 25 and older. Learn who is eligible, how to take advantage of the program, and more.

Host Jonathan Hughes first talks to co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna about an online panel she moderated in conjunction with MEFA’s ongoing campaign The Time is Now. Then, they answer a question from the MEFA Mailbag, and finally, Jonathan talks with Adam Hartwell about Attainable, the ABLE Savings Plan.

Host Jonathan Hughes first talks to the Director of MEFA Pathway, Jennifer Bento-Pinyoun. Then, Jonathan and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna discuss MEFA’s The Time is Now campaign. Finally, Jonathan has a discussion with the new Director of GEAR UP in Worcester, Steve Winston.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Julie Shields-Rutyna about FAFSA Simplification. Then Jonathan and Julie go to the MEFA Mailbag to answer a question about using the UFund to pay for college. Finally, Jonathan has a conversation with Director of the Massachusetts GEAR UP Program, Robert Dais.

Episode #50. In this special episode, host Jonathan Hughes talks with Betsy Mayotte of TISLA (The Institute of Student Loan Advisors) to discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to block the Biden-Harris Student Debt Relief Plan.

Episode #49. Host Jonathan Hughes first answers a question from the MEFA Mailbag about private student loans. Then Jonathan sits down with Sherri Geller, the Co-Director of College Counseling at Gann Academy in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Episode #48. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna first discuss MEFA’s prepaid tuition program, the U.Plan. Then, they go to the MEFA Mailbag and answer a question about letters of recommendation. Finally, Jonathan and Julie talk to Jill Desjean of NASFAA and Philip Levine of Wellesley College and the Brookings Institution about FAFSA Simplification, including the adjustments to t...

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 dis...

Episode #46. Host Jonathan Hughes discusses student loan repayment for graduating college students with co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna. They then dive into the MEFA Mailbag and answer a question about to how to get a student motivated about the college process. Finally, Jonathan talks with Jonathan Gowin, Director of Tuition Break, about the New England Board of Higher Education’s Tuition Break prog...

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. Timestamp (0:00) Intro...

Episode #44. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Andover High School Principal Alicia Linsey and Director of Admissions at Worcester State University Joe DiCarlo about the National Association of College Admissions and Counseling and their Boston College Fair. Then Jonathan and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna go to the MEFA Mailbag and answer a financial aid question about students who have worked with t...