For Parents & Students

MESA is a type of Individual Development Account (IDA) that supports students in achieving their post-secondary educational goals and gaining greater financial security.

MESA requires that students:

To qualify, students must:

Number of People
in Family/Household

Annual Income Limit

1

$21,660

2

$29,140

3

$36,620

4

$44,100

5

$51,580

6

$59,060

7

$66,540

8

$74,020

For households/families with more than 8 members,
add $7,480 for each additional person.

To learn more, please contact your MESA Partner School.

Common Questions

Is this a scam?

A.  No. MESA is part of a nationwide asset-building strategy and is funded by local, state and federal resources. The 1998 Assets for Independence Act funded IDAs nationwide and the Oregon State Legislature adopted the IDA Initiative in 1999.

How does the match work?

For every $1 of personal savings, participants accrue $5 through MESA funds.

How much money can I deposit in my savings account?

You must deposit at least $25 a month into your savings account, but there is no upward limit. You get to choose the monthly deposit amount that fits into your household budget. While you may deposit as much money as you want into your savings account, there is limit to how much will be matched.

Do I have to deposit the same amount each month?

No, you are not required to deposit the same amount each month, but you must not deposit less than what you indicated in the Savings Plan Agreement. Lump sum deposits that are more than what your household’s earned income will not be matched unless otherwise specified.

How can MESA be used?

Your savings and match may only be used for certain expenses paid to an accredited post-secondary educational institution. These expenses include tuition, books, fees, supplies and equipment required for the completion of a course.

Do I have to pay taxes on my savings account?

You may need to report interest you earn from your savings. Keep in mind that the financial institution will report the interest you earned.

How does MESA impact my financial aid?

Everyone's financial aid award is different and so it is important that you talk to your financial aid officer if you have any questions. Your savings is excluded from your financial aid calculation. The match, depending on your school, possibly may impact your financial aid. If it does impact your financial aid, it is likely to lower the amount of loans that you would receive, but will not reduce your Pell Grant or other entitlement grants. Please talk to your financial aid officer for more information about your individual case.

What happens if my income goes up, will I be disqualified from the program?

No, you will not be disqualified from the program if your income goes up. The goal is to help people improve financially–if your income goes up we feel successful and we hope you do too!

So, who really controls the money I deposit?

You do. MESA cannot refuse to sign a withdrawal request. However, MESA does decide if your withdrawal is unauthorized, an official emergency withdrawal, or a withdrawal for your savings goal. MESA’s decision will affect whether you can receive match funds.

Do I have to go to a designated financial institution to do my banking with MESA?

You must open the IDA savings account and make withdrawals at the designated financial institution that you choose from a list of MESA partner financial institutions. After you have opened the IDA, you can make your deposits at any branch of the financial institution.

What if I have not used my match money by the end of my term in the program?

You will have a maximum of six months after you have met your final savings goal to utilize your full savings and match. If you do not use your funds within the timeline granted, you will lose the match money and your savings will be returned to you.