Maine has a few different college grants available to students, and the Finance Authority of Maine website (FAME) has over 100 scholarships listed that are dedicated to residents of the state. Here are some details you’ll need to know about eligibility for these grants and scholarships!
Maine College Grants
1. Maine State Grant Program
The Maine State Grant Program is designed for any undergraduate students in the state who h
ave demonstrated financial need. Eligible students can be awarded up to $2,500. Other eligibility requirements include:
- An EFC lower than the maximum EFC set in the current year
- Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by May 1st
- Attending an eligible college or university in Maine
- Be attending school at least part-time (however, the amount of the max award for part-time is up to $1,250)
2. Maine State Grant Program for Adult Learners
For students who are 24 years old or older, there is also the Maine State Grant Program for Adult Learners. Also granting up to $2,500 for full-time or up to $1,250 for part-time, students can automatically enter the running for this award by completing their FAFSA by May 1st.
Students also need to:
- Have an EFC lower than the maximum EFC set for the current year
- Be attending an eligible college or university in Maine
- Not have received the Maine State Grant in recent years
3. Tuition Waiver Program (Foster Care)
For students who are/were foster children or were adopted and are under subsidy of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), they may be eligible for the Tuition Waiver Program. In order to apply, students applications require:
- A completed FAFSA
- Contact information
- Education plans including the school the student intends to attend
- Contact information for your JMG Specialist if applicable
- A copy of an acceptance letter
The award amount will depend on the school the individual is attending, and the award is renewable for up to 5 years of undergraduate school.
4. Tuition Waiver Program (Public Servant)
Children and spouses of firefighters, emergency medical service providers, and law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty can apply for the Tuition Waiver Program for Public Servants. Children have to have been under 21 years of age at the date of their parent’s death.
Applications must include:
- College admissions letter to the Maine institution
- College transcripts
- Proof of marriage/and or age
- Death certificate
- Notarized statement from a government official
- FAFSA
There is no set award amount as it will vary from school to school, but the award is also renewable.
5. And More
Maine also offers a few other grant programs to eligible students, including
- Out of State Reduced Tuition
- Doctors for Maine’s Future Scholarship
- Competitive Skills Scholarship Program
- Adult Degree Completion Scholarship
Where Can You Find More Information on Maine Grants?
For further information on grants in Maine, we recommend going to the Finance Authority of Maine website. There, students can find details on scholarships and grants, as well as resources to aid in the scholarship search. The website plays host to over 100 local and state awards, and also contains links to the Maine Community Foundation which has further information about scholarships available to Maine residents, including for non-traditional students, graduate school, and more.
Finding and identifying scholarships you qualify for does not have to be like searching for a needle in a haystack. In fact, scholarship databases make it easier than ever to locate these awards. College Raptor’s Scholarship Search Tool can help you get started!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.34%-15.96%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
4.92% - 15.08% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
|
|
4.50% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.50% - 14.56% Variable
3.69% - 14.41% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
