Ways to Reduce Your Cost at CMCC
CMCC is committed to making education accessible and more affordable for everyone. From free college for recent high school graduates, tuition waivers for qualifying individuals, tuition breaks for out-of-state New England students, and debt forgiveness programs for Maine graduates, there are meaningful ways to reduce what you pay, before and after you enroll.
Recent High School Graduates
Discover Tuition-Free College
If you earned a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET in 2024 or later, you may qualify for the Free College Scholarship. With hundreds of programs to choose from, now’s the time to learn the skills you need for the job you want.
Tuition Waiver Programs
CMCC offers tuition waivers for students who qualify under specific state and federal programs. Contact our Financial Aid Office to confirm your eligibility and request application materials.
Students from Foster Care
The Foster Care Tuition Waiver is administered by the Finance Authority of Maine and provides free tuition to certain foster children and adopted children/wards under subsidy from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Children or Spouses of Maine Public Servants Killed in the Line of Duty
The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services administers a tuition and fee waiver program for eligible dependents of Maine veterans who died or were permanently disabled as a result of a service-connected injury.
Native Americans from Regional Tribes
The Native American Tuition Waiver program provides waivers of tuition for qualified Native Americans residing in Maine who have completed a FAFSA, are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, and can provide proof of tribal eligibility to the Financial Aid Office.
Adult Education Students
Students transitioning from adult education programs may qualify for a tuition waiver to continue their education at CMCC. Contact Financial Aid to confirm eligibility and next steps.
Service Members and Veterans
If you are a dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible for waived tuition. To learn more about this waiver, visit the State of Maine’s Bureau of Veterans’ Services website.
Low-Income Parents — HOPE Program
The Higher Opportunity Pathways to Employment (HOPE) Program, administered through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), provides tuition assistance for income-qualifying parents pursuing education at CMCC.
Parents as Scholars (PaS Program)
The TANF-funded Parents as Scholars (PaS) program supports low-income parents in pursuing higher education. If you receive TANF benefits, you may be eligible for tuition support through this program.
Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver
Maine residents who are 65 years or older are eligible for a limited tuition waiver. The waiver applies to tuition only (not books, lab, or other student fees), and is for a maximum of 6 credit hours per semester and up to 23 credit hours per person.
Once you’ve enrolled, bring or send proof of your age to the Financial Aid Office and we’ll take care of the rest.
FOR RESIDENTS OF OTHER NEW ENGLAND STATES
NEBHE Tuition Break Program
Are you an out-of-state student enrolling at CMCC in an academic program that isn’t offered in your state? If so, you may qualify for reduced tuition rates.
Think you may qualify?
Once you’ve been accepted to CMCC, fill out a NERSP application and send it to our Admissions Office. They’ll take it from there by reviewing your application and letting you know if you qualify. The review process usually takes only a couple of days, so you won’t have to wait long to find out.
MAINE STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT TAX CREDIT
Debt Forgiveness for Maine Graduates
Maine graduates who live and work in the state after completing their degree may be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Tax Credit (often called Opportunity Maine). This refundable state tax credit is administered by Maine Revenue Services and reimburses eligible student loan payments at tax time, reducing what you owe or increasing your refund.
To qualify, you must:
- Have obtained an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree from any accredited institution after December 31, 2007
- Be a Maine resident
- Work in Maine with earned income of at least $13,712
- Make eligible loan payments directly to your lender
Credit Value & Limits:
- Worth up to $2,500 per year (refundable)
- $25,000 lifetime cap per taxpayer
How to Claim: Complete the Student Loan Repayment Tax Credit Worksheet with your Maine income tax return (Form 1040ME).
FAQs
Can I qualify for more than one tuition reduction at the same time?
In some cases yes. For example, a veteran who is also a Maine resident may benefit from both a tuition waiver and the Free College Scholarship if they meet eligibility requirements for both. Contact Financial Aid to discuss your specific situation.
Does the Student Loan Repayment Tax Credit apply to CMCC graduates?
Yes. CMCC is an accredited institution, so graduates who complete an associate degree after 2007 and then live and work in Maine are eligible to claim the credit on their Maine income taxes. The credit applies to eligible loan payments made directly to your lender during the tax year.
What is the difference between a tuition waiver and a scholarship?
A tuition waiver eliminates or reduces tuition charges based on your eligibility status, such as being a veteran, a foster care student, or a qualifying low-income parent. A scholarship is a financial award, often merit or need-based, applied to your student account. Both reduce what you pay but work differently and come from different sources. You may be eligible for both.
How do I apply for a tuition waiver?
Waiver eligibility and application requirements vary by program. Contact the CMCC Financial Aid Office to find out which waivers you may qualify for and to get the appropriate application materials.