To qualify, you must:

• Graduate from high school or earn a HiSet/GED in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025. There are no income or age limits as long as you graduated during these years
• Complete a Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA)
• Accept all state and federal grants and scholarships
• Remain on-track for on-time completion (complete the program of study within 200% of the stated completion time).
• Pursue an associate degree or academic credential
• Participate in academic planning and advising to stay on track for on-time completion
• Live in Maine at the time of enrollment and while enrolled in the program

There are no income or age limits. All you have to do is enroll full time in a degree or certificate program and accept any state or federal financial aid you qualify for.

NEW STUDENTS WHO HAVE NEVER APPLIED TO CMCC:

• Fill out an admissions application
• Complete a FAFSA (if eligible)
• Live in Maine at the time of enrollment and while enrolled in the program

STUDENTS WHO HAVE ALREADY APPLIED AND BEEN ACCEPTED:

• Complete your FAFSA (if you haven’t already)
• That’s it! We’ll take care of the rest. There’s no need to reapply

CURRENT STUDENTS

• Complete your FAFSA (if you haven’t already)
• That’s it! We’ll take care of the rest. There’s no need to reapply

The scholarship pays for up to two years of tuition and mandatory fees, which is approximately $3,800 per year. It does not cover room and board or additional items required by some programs, such as uniforms or special equipment.

Funding will continue as long as you progress and can complete your degree within 200% of the stated completion time. We have flexible course schedules to help you meet this goal with classes in the fall and spring semesters – plus we also offer classes during abbreviated summer and winter terms to help you finish your degree or certificate on time!

The scholarship requires students to live in Maine at the time of enrollment and while enrolled in the program. Living on campus counts as living in Maine. The first day of enrollment is considered the first day of class.

You still qualify for the free college scholarship. If you are not eligible to file a FAFSA due to citizenship status, the Free College Scholarship will automatically be applied to your account.

Although you are more likely to succeed if you do start sooner rather than later, there is some flexibility with your start date;

2020-21 grads – Enroll no later than during the 2023-24 academic year
2022 grads – Enroll no later than during the 2024-25 academic year
2023 grads – Enroll no later than during the 2025-26 academic year
2024 grads – Enroll no later than during the 2026-27 academic year
2025 grads – Enroll no later than during the 2027-28 academic year