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 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 all 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 2020, 2021, 2022, or 2023. 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
- Enroll full time, earning 30 credits per year
- 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 enrollment 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
What is included in the Free College Scholarship?
The scholarship pays for up to two years of tuition and mandatory fees, which is approximately $3,700 per year. It does not cover room and board or additional items required by some programs, such as uniforms or special equipment.
What is considered full time?
Full time means that you are on track for on time completion, which is completing an associate degree in two years or a certificate in one year. 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, you can meet with an our Financial Aid office to complete a confirmation form in place of the FAFSA.
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!