The Future You Want

Tuition Free!

Pay ZERO tuition if you’re a recent high school graduate!

Don’t miss out on the Maine Free College Scholarship. If you graduated from high school since 2024, enroll now and receive free tuition at any of Maine’s community colleges. Learn a trade, prepare to transfer, and participate in lots of hands-on, practical training to learn the skills you need for the job you want. Choose from hundreds of programs.

Enroll part time or full time in any certificate or degree program!

Tell me more

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Do you know what you want to study?*

Do you know where you want to go?*

What is the Free College Scholarship?

The Maine Free College Scholarship makes community college even more affordable! If you earned a high school diploma or its equivalent from 2024 or later, you qualify for the scholarship. For the class of 2026 and beyond it covers 100% of tuition — that’s a savings of almost $3,000! For 2024-2025 graduates, the scholarship covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees.

Here is how it works

Who is eligible for a Free College Scholarship?

If you graduated high school (or earned the equivalent such as the HiSET) since 2024 – you’re automatically considered for the scholarship. It’s that simple. There are no income or age limits. All you have to do is live in Maine a full year immediately prior to admission and while enrolled, pursue a degree or certificate program, and accept any state or federal aid you qualify for before the scholarship is applied. That’s it – you’re in!

What does the Free College Scholarship cover?

For graduates in 2026 and beyond, it will cover 100% of tuition. For graduates in 2024 and 2025, it covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees, after federal and state grant aid has been applied. Students qualifying for maximum federal and state grant aid will have additional grant funds available to cover books, supplies, and other related educational expenses.

Sounds good to me! How do I sign up?

Apply to one of Maine’s seven community colleges – or just fill out the form at the top of the page. We’ll assign you an advisor who will work with you to fill out an application, complete your financial aid application (aka the FAFSA), and pick out a program. We can do it over the phone, on Zoom, or in person. Whatever you need, we’ll help you get there.

Get Started

Where can I study?

map of Maine highlighting Maine Community College Campuses and Off-Campus Centers

Where can I study?

Central Maine Community College

1250 Turner Street, Auburn
800-891-2002
cmcc.edu

On-campus and off-campus housing
Off-campus center: Damariscotta

Eastern Maine Community College

354 Hogan Road, Bangor
800-286-9357
emcc.edu

On-campus housing
Off-campus centers: East Millinocket

Kennebec Valley Community College

Main Campus: 92 Western Avenue, Fairfield
Harold Alfond Campus: 677 Skowhegan Road, Fairfield (Hinckley)

800-528-5882
kvcc.me.edu

Off-campus housing

Northern Maine Community College

33 Edgemont Drive, Presque Isle
800-535-6682
nmcc.edu

On-campus housing
Off-campus center: Houlton

Southern Maine Community College

Main Campus: 2 Fort Road, South Portland
Midcoast Campus: 29 Sewall Street, Brunswick
877-282-2182
smccme.edu

On-campus housing

Washington County Community College

One College Drive, Calais
800-210-6932
wccc.me.edu

On-campus housing

York County Community College

112 College Drive, Wells
Off-campus center: Sanford Instructional Site
800-580-3820
yccc.edu

Off-campus housing

FAQs

How do I apply?

When you apply, you are automatically considered for the scholarship. There’s no scholarship application you need to fill out. Just go ahead and apply to get started! Here is a flyer that explains the steps and how Free College works.

What can I study?

Our most popular programs are in health care, the trades, and business – but you have hundreds of choices including unique programs such as line worker training, veterinary assistant training, horticulture, and more! Study online or in-person, in a degree or certificate program – browse hundreds of options.

Do I have to be a Maine high school graduate?

No, you just have to have lived in Maine a full year immediately prior to admission and while enrolled in college.

What if I don't qualify. Are there other options?

Absolutely! For half of our students grant aid covers most, or all, of their tuition and fees. Maine’s community colleges also offer a number of tuition waiver or free college options, including free short-term workforce training. Just fill out the form above and we’ll get in touch to help you navigate your options.

What if I can't enroll right away? Can I enroll later?

Yes, but there’s a limit. Find your enrollment deadline here:

2024 grads – Enroll no later than Summer 2027
2025 grads – Enroll no later than Summer 2028
2026 grads – Enroll no later than Summer 2029

I still don’t think I can afford college, what are my options?

It may be more affordable than you think – let us help! You have plenty of options to help cover any additional costs that are getting in the way of your education. Just fill out the form above and an advisor will reach out to help you understand all the options!

What is the FAFSA and how do I complete it?

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s the online form used by all schools to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid. It been simplified in recent years and most people complete in in under 30 minutes! To start, go to FAFSA.gov. If you need help, go to FAMEmaine.com/fafsa where you’ll find online resources and a link to free FAFSA Help sessions.

How long does the Free College Scholarship last?

Graduates in the Class of 2026 and beyond have up to 150% of program time to access the scholarship, or three years of access for a two-year associate degree program. Graduates from the classes of 2024 and 2025 have up to 200% of program time, or four years of access in a two-year associate degree program.

Do I have to go full-time?

No, but studies show that full-time students do better academically, so we encourage attending full time. But we understand that isn’t always possible. We’ll work with you to keep you on track.