Central Maine Community College

What is the Free College Scholarship?

The Free College Scholarship gives Maine’s recent high school graduates a boost as they enter the workforce in the wake of a global pandemic. High school graduates from the classes of 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 qualify for a Free College Scholarship that pays 100% of tuition and mandatory fees at Central Maine Community College.

Free College FAQs

How do I qualify for Free College?

To qualify, you must:

  • Graduate from high school or earn a HiSet/GED in 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.

What do I need to do to qualify for Free College?

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
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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
    •  
What is included in the Free College Scholarship?

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.

 

Do I have to be full time?

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!

 

What are the residency requirements?

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.

 

What if I am not eligible for state or federal grant aid?

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.

Do I have to start right away?

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

Sounds great! How do I get started?

The first step is to fill out our simple application – it only takes a few minutes! Once we receive your application, an admissions representative will work with you to complete your financial aid application and ensure you have everything you need to enroll. We’re here to help you every step of the way!