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This interview features Julie Shields-Rutyna from the Massachusetts Education Finance Authority (MEFA), who discusses the complexities of college financial aid and decision-making. The conversation focuses on the significance of National College Acceptance Day on May 1st and the necessity of comparing award letters using tools like cost calculators. Shields-Rutyna explains the distinctions between grants, scholarships, and federal loans, while also noting new caps on parent PLUS loans. Additionally, she highlights the flexibility of 529 savings plans, which can now be used for vocational training or rolled into Roth IRAs. The source serves as a practical guide for families navigating the final stages of the higher education planning process.