Scholarships and Grants in Maine
Find Financial Assistance for Your Education
The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) administers the state's few grants and scholarships as well as specialized loan repayment or loan forgiveness programs. Students also have many choices in funding directly through the University of Maine's system and the state's community colleges.
General Scholarships and Grants
The State of Maine Grant Program is a need-based program and students apply by filling out the FAFSA. Requirements include state residency and enrollment at a state public or private college or university. Eligible out of state institutions are located in Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire. Annual awards are between $500 and $1500 depending on location and type of institution.
Maine's talented high school scholars may be eligible for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship. This federally funded program rewards graduating honors-level high school seniors in every state. In most cases recipients are nominated or chosen by their school officials. Selection is based on class rank, GPA, ACT/SAT scores and school or community involvement. Eligible recipients must also be accepted to a four-year college or university with the exception of any of the four military academies.
Tuition Waiver Programs that take into consideration the disadvantages of the dependents of deceased Law Enforcement and Public Safety personnel are available to qualifying state residents. Also, students who have been participants in the state foster care system may be eligible for tuition waivers.
The University of Maine system encompasses 7 campuses and is the largest university program in the state. U. of Maine offers merit-based scholarships to undergraduate students who meet a wide range of requirements: Top Scholar and the two Presidential Scholar Awards offer up to complete tuition costs to eligible Maine residents that have graduated at the top of their class and continue to demonstrate strong academic drive. Non-resident scholars may qualify for the Dean's Scholar Award. Dean's Scholars may earn up to $5000 toward the U of Maine tuition if they graduated in the upper third of their high school class. Transfer students with academic talent may earn up to $1000 through the Transfer Scholarships. Students who demonstrate "diversity" may be eligible for the Distinguished Student Awards. Besides these, there are two National Merit Awards.
Graduate students at the U of Maine may compete for attractive fellowships and specialized scholarships. Go to the U. of Maine website for complete information.
Maine's Community College System is a solid presence in the higher educational fabric of the state and offers valuable courses of study to state students focused on professional achievement. Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts who are considering an education at one of Maine's community colleges may be eligible for the Boulos Family Scholarship. Eligible veterans must be residents of Maine. Awards are around $2300. See other military scholarships across the country.
Specialized Studies Programs
Are you a Maine resident considering teaching or already enrolled in a full-time teaching program? The Educators for Maine program is a loan repayment program designed for teaching students either in undergraduate or graduate level education programs. Loan repayment programs aimed at teachers are commonplace and designed to boost state shortages, especially in subject areas. In exchange for tuition assistance, participants must be willing to work as teachers in the Maine public school system after graduation. See other teaching scholarships across the country.
The Physicians/Dentists/Veterinarians Program offers Maine residents the opportunity to pursue graduate level studies in the above disciplines at the participating out of state institutions: Dartmouth, University of Vermont, and the University of New England. Graduates may qualify for loan forgiveness if they agree to practice in underserved areas/facilities in the state of Maine. Go to the U. of Maine website for complete information.
