August 23, 2012 ... Making college education more affordable will be a top priority for the Legislature next year, according to one senior lawmaker. Sen. Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) said, "Legislative leaders are increasingly concerned that college educational costs are beyond the reach of many students and forcing others and their families into serious financial debt."

Sen. Moore explained that, in addition to the financial strain placed on many families, lawmakers are concerned that some of the "best and brightest" students will be forced to forego college. "One of the key reasons for our improving Massachusetts economy is the high number of college graduates who become a vital source of qualified employees for 21st century businesses. That's why so many top companies want to locate or remain in the Commonwealth," Sen. Moore stated.

There will be efforts, if revenues continue to improve, to increase public college subsidies in an effort to slow the growth in tuition and fees, according to the senator. "I also hope that the Legislature will support increases in the state scholarship funding for both public and private college students," he said.

For students and their parents facing the prospect of paying for college this fall, Sen. Moore suggests checking with the Massachusetts Educational Finance Authority (MEFA). With college bills arriving in the mail, trained MEFA college financing experts are available to assist families still in need of college financial assistance, including low cost MEFA loans.

The Massachusetts Legislature created MEFA to help families afford higher education and over the years MEFA has assisted hundreds of thousands of families planning, saving and paying for college. Over the years, MEFA has played an important role helping families in our South Central Massachusetts region finance college costs, the senator explained.

MEFA provides guidance and offers college loans with rates starting as low as 5.99% for the upcoming academic year. The low-interest, fixed rate, loan program is part of MEFA's continuing commitment to help families find college financing solutions that make higher education a reality. Applications for the 2012-2013 academic year are now being accepted online at www.mefa.org or by phone at 1-800-449-MEFA (6332).

MEFA is uniquely privileged to serve as a trusted college financing expert for families, schools and community organizations seeking guidance about planning, saving and paying for college. "Today more than ever, families need college financial aid information and assistance on which they can rely," Sen. Moore concluded.

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