MEFA’S U.Fund Awarded Gold Medalist Rating for Second Consecutive Year

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MEFA’s U.Fund College Investing Plan has earned a Gold Medal Rating from Morningstar, placing it among the nation’s best 529 college savings plans for the second year in a row. Families have been saving in the MEFA U.Fund for over 25 years, making it one of the first 529 plans available in the country.

“Receiving this honor for the second consecutive year is a tremendous testament to the U.Fund and the dedicated teams at MEFA and Fidelity Investments” said Thomas Graf, Executive Director of MEFA. “It underscores our commitment to helping families reach their academic and financial goals and our continued efforts to strengthen the plan.”

Morningstar ranked the MEFA U.Fund as one of the top five 529 college savings plans nationwide. “These Gold-rated 529 plans offer exceptional state stewardship of investor capital and well-constructed portfolios managed by competent investment teams,” according to the Chicago-based financial services firm in its independent, annual ranking of 529 plans. Further, “the state of Massachusetts stands out with its scrupulous oversight and continuous, effective engagement with the firm.”

The U.Fund is offered by MEFA and managed by Fidelity Investments. MEFA is an independent state authority committed to helping students and their families plan, save, and pay for college, postsecondary training, and disability-related expenses.

The U.Fund has over $11 billion in assets under management in over 312,000 accounts. Over the last five years, the number of new U.Fund accounts opened annually has grown 51%, showing an increased public interest in saving for college.

“We’re thrilled the U.Fund has earned a gold rating for the second consecutive year,” said Tony Durkan, vice president, head of 529 college savings at Fidelity Investments. “This recognition is a testament to our shared commitment to helping families across the Commonwealth achieve their higher education goals. We look forward to continuing this important work in the years to come.”

The 2025 honors for the U.Fund also include being named one of the “Top-rated 529 plans in 2025” by Business Insider.

Morningstar annually ranks 529 plans based on the assessment of its research analysts and comparison to peer programs. Of 529 plans reviewed this year, 32 plans earned Morningstar Medalist Ratings of Gold, Silver, or Bronze.

About the MEFA U.Fund

The U.Fund offers federal and state tax benefits. U.Fund savings can be used for a wide range of college expenses at accredited schools nationwide, plus tuition expenses for grades K-12, certain apprenticeship costs, and student loan repayments. The U.Fund offers either an age-based strategy or a custom strategy based on the family’s specific investment goals.

For more information on college savings options, visit mefa.org or call [phone] to speak to a MEFA college financing expert.

About MEFA

MEFA is a state authority, not reliant on state or federal appropriations, established under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 15C. MEFA’s mission, since its founding in 1982, has been to help Massachusetts students and families access and afford higher education and reach financial goals through education programs, tax-advantaged savings plans, affordable loans, and expert guidance. All of MEFA’s work aligns with the ever-present goal to support the independence, growth, and success of Massachusetts students and families. Visit mefa.org to learn more.

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