Exploring student loan options can often be overwhelming, but finding the right fit is crucial for your financial future. The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA), a not-for-profit organization, provides valuable assistance for students and families across the U.S. seeking comprehensive solutions for their educational expenses.
Whether you are venturing into undergraduate studies, advancing with graduate courses, or looking to refinance existing loans, MEFA’s commitment to providing competitive rates and flexible repayment terms makes it an option worth considering. Let’s dive into how MEFA simplifies the complex journey of financing your education and why it might be the best choice for you.
MEFA Student Loan Application Requirements
You’ll next need to attend an accredited institution at least half-time. As you start taking classes, you should also meet or exceed your school’s satisfactory academic progress requirements. Finally, at least one borrower on the student loan should meet MEFA’s credit requirements.
MEFA Refinancing Application Requirements
You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You should also have an established credit history. If you don’t, you can still apply with a cosigner to qualify.
A few other credit requirements include having no record of default on an educational loan and no bankruptcy or foreclosure in the last 60 months. Finally, you have to be a signer on all the existing student loans you wish to refinance with MEFA.
MEFA’s Student Loan Options
MEFA offers private student loans for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as student loan refinancing. Here are the details on each one.
Undergraduate Loans
MEFA is unique in that it offers a lower interest rate while you’re still attending school to help you from accumulating too much interest. Fixed interest rate starting at 5.35% APR.
There is no variable rate option for undergraduate loans, so you don’t have to worry about your interest creeping up and adding more to your principal if rates rise over time.
Cosigner release is offered on 15-year loans to undergraduates who are deferring payments. Applications for cosigner release are accepted after 48 consecutive on-time payments.
Repayment Options
Undergraduate loans can last either 10 or 15 years, and you have three different repayment options.
- Immediate Repayment: Start making your full principal and interest payments while in school. You’ll get better interest rates and pay off your student loans more quickly. You can choose a 10- or 15-year repayment term.
- Interest-Only Repayment: You can only choose the 15-year repayment term and will only make payments on your interest while attending school. This prevents your loan principal from growing while attending.
- Deferred Repayment: You could qualify with or without a cosigner with this option, which comes with a 15-year term. It defers all payments until you graduate, although interest will continue to accrue.
Graduate Loans
Fixed-rate loans are available with APRs starting between 6.55% to 7.95% APR for in-school and post-school periods. For repayment, you can choose either to defer payments completely or make interest-only payments while pursuing your degree.
MEFA only awards graduate student loans one year at a time, so if you need financing for multiple years, you’ll have to reapply. The maximum deferral period is 36 months. If you don’t finish your program within three years, you’ll be required to start making payments.
The minimum loan amount for a MEFA graduate loan is $2,000 for a private school or $1,500 for a public school.
MEFA Student Loan Refinancing
MEFA offers attractive rates and terms for student loan refinancing, stating an average monthly savings of $206. To qualify, however, your existing student loans must meet a few eligibility requirements:
- Must be a private student loan or federal student loans, such as Federal Direct Undergraduate and Graduate Loans, Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans, or Graduate PLUS Loans
- Is current and in its repayment term
- Cannot be in grace period, forbearance, or deferment
- Funded a degree from an eligible institution
- On-time payments made on all student loans for the last 12 months
- To refinance student loans, the minimum loan amount is $10,000
- Minimum credit score of 670
Rates and Repayment
Fixed interest rates range from 6.20% to 8.99% APR. Repayment terms can last either 10 or 15 years.
MEFA’s Loan Fee Structure
In MEFA’s commitment to clear and straightforward financial solutions, their fee structure is designed with simplicity in mind. For both undergraduate and graduate loans, a 4% origination fee is applied, integrated into the total loan cost. This contrasts with their refinancing options, which are free of any origination fees, offering a cost-effective choice for managing existing student loans.
Notably, MEFA ensures accessibility by not imposing any application fees, thereby removing a common financial barrier for applicants. This approach underlines MEFA’s dedication to providing affordable education financing.
MEFA’s Student Loan Process
You can get a credit decision instantly by applying for a MEFA student loan online. A hard credit inquiry will be required, which may affect your credit score. Alternatively, you can also call them to start the process over the phone. Either way, you’ll go through a five-step process, which includes the following:
Information Submission: You’ll need a few pieces of information regarding all the borrowers on the student loan (including cosigners). Make sure you have on hand your:
- Social security number
- Date of birth
- Phone number and email address
- Current and prior addresses
- Monthly income
- Housing costs
- Employment information
- Payoff statement (refinancing only)
Credit Review: Next, MEFA will review your credit. They may request additional information at this time.
MEFA Loan Selection: If your credit has been approved, you’re ready to review your private student loan offers. Compare loan terms and costs to determine which is the right one for you.
Loan Document Completion: Once you choose a student loan, you’re ready to review and sign your loan documents. This includes the loan approval disclosure, MEFA loan agreement, Department of Education self-certification, and electronic delivery options.
Loan Fund Receipt: Finally, MEFA will disburse your student loan funds to your college or university if you’re taking out a new loan. If you’re refinancing student loans, MEFA will pay off your existing student loans, and you’ll begin your new repayment period with them.
MEFA Special Features
Mobile App – You can manage your student loan payments on the go with MEFA’s app, which is available both at the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Deferment Available – If you’re having trouble making your payments, you may qualify for deferment. Reasons to apply include: enrolling in school, experiencing economic hardship, becoming unemployed, or being deployed in the military.
Forbearance Available – Forbearance is also an option with MEFA loans. Reasons beyond those listed for deferment include going through a natural disaster or another temporary hardship.
Video Resources – The MEFA website has tons of educational resources, but some of their best content comes in video form. They provide videos on anything from tips for applying to how student loan refinancing with MEFA works.
Bottom Line
MEFA offers a fair amount of flexibility, particularly if you’re interested in refinancing your student loans. Plus, the rates are competitive and can result in significant savings. Pair that with several repayment choices, and you can easily find a new student loan or refinance existing student loan debt through MEFA.