Your Tuition-Free Future Starts Here
The Maine Free College Scholarship gives recent high school graduates a strong start toward their future, and now it’s here to stay. Eligible students can attend Central Maine Community College tuition-free, making it easier than ever to take the next step.
2026 and Beyond Free College FAQs
How do I qualify for Free College?
To qualify, you must:
- Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent (HiSET/GED) in 2026 or later
- Have lived in Maine for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment
- Enroll in an eligible associate degree or certificate program at Central Maine Community College
- Complete a Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA)
- Accept all state and federal grants and scholarships
- Remain on-track for on-time completion (you must stay on track to complete your program within 150% of the normal timeframe)
- Participate in academic planning and advising to stay on track for on-time completion
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)
- Be a Maine resident and have lived in Maine for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment
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
There is no separate application for the Maine Free College Scholarship, if you’re eligible, CMCC will apply it to your account.
What is included in the Free College Scholarship?
- Class of 2026 and beyond: Covers 100% of tuition
The scholarship does not cover books, housing, or other personal expenses.
Do I have to be full time?
No. Students may attend full-time or part-time. Funding will continue as long as you remain eligible and make satisfactory academic progress toward completing your degree or certificate within 150% of the program’s standard completion time (for example, up to 3 years for a 2-year degree program).
What are the residency requirements?
You Must:
- Be a Maine resident, and
- Have lived in Maine for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrolling
What if I am not eligible for state or federal grant aid?
If you’re not eligible for federal or state financial aid, or you’re unable to complete the FAFSA, reach out to the Financial Aid Office. Any available federal and state aid is applied first, and then the Maine Free College Scholarship is used to cover eligible tuition costs.
Do I have to start right away?
No. Eligible students have a limited window after graduating to enroll at CMCC and use the scholarship. We recommend applying and enrolling as soon as possible to take full advantage of the benefit.
Enrollment deadlines by graduating class:
- 2026 grads – Enroll no later than Summer 2029
2023-2025 Free College FAQs
How do I qualify for Free College?
To qualify, you must:
- Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent (HiSET/GED) in 2023, 2024, or 2025
- Live in Maine at the time of enrollment
- Enroll in an eligible associate degree or certificate program at Central Maine Community College
- Complete a Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA)
- Accept all state and federal grants and scholarships
- Remain on-track for on-time completion (you must stay on track to complete your program within 200% of the normal timeframe)
- Participate in academic planning and advising to stay on track for on-time completion
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
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
There is no separate application for the Maine Free College Scholarship, if you’re eligible, CMCC will apply it to your account.
What is included in the Free College Scholarship?
- 100% of tuition and mandatory fees
The scholarship does not cover books, housing, or other personal expenses.
Do I have to be full time?
No. Students may attend full-time or part-time. Funding will continue as long as you remain eligible and make satisfactory academic progress toward completing your degree or certificate within 200% of the program’s standard completion time (for example, up to 4 years for a 2-year degree program).
What are the residency requirements?
You Must:
- Live in Maine at the time of enrollment
- Remain in Maine through enrollment
What if I am not eligible for state or federal grant aid?
If you’re not eligible for federal or state financial aid, or you’re unable to complete the FAFSA, reach out to the Financial Aid Office. Any available federal and state aid is applied first, and then the Maine Free College Scholarship is used to cover eligible tuition costs.
Do I have to start right away?
No. Eligible students have a limited window after graduating to enroll at CMCC and use the scholarship. We recommend applying and enrolling as soon as possible to take full advantage of the benefit.
Enrollment deadlines by graduating class:
- 2023 grads – Enroll no later than Summer 2026
- 2024 grads – Enroll no later than Summer 2027
- 2025 grads – Enroll no later than Summer 2028
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!