Free & Reduced Tuition Eligibility

Maine’s community colleges are committed to providing equitable college access through our various On Course and Early College programs. For that reason, our colleges waive course fees for high school students in the following programs:

Maine Aspirations Program

The Maine Aspirations Program provides access to early college courses by funding tuition costs; this program is managed by the Maine Department of Education. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a public high school or be home schooled and the requirements below. Qualified students may access up to 12 credits per year pending funding availability.

Beginning with the Class of 2027, students will be able to access 12 tuition–free credits in a year with a lifetime total of 18 credits. The one exception to the 18-credit lifetime limit will be CTE students in designated early college career pathways. Students in approved CTE pathways will be able to access a total of 24 tuition-free college credits.

Students who choose to take courses beyond the lifetime cap may apply for additional credits as self-pay students at the Early College tuition rates.

These annual and lifetime credit totals include courses taken at Maine’s community colleges and public universities.

Eligibility for Aspirations includes:

  • Minimum public high school grade point average of at least a 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0), or the equivalent of a “B” average or, in lieu of a 3.0, they are recommended for participation by a school unit’s administration (see exception statement below)
  • The eligible institution has determined that the student has satisfactorily completed any course prerequisites;
  • The school unit approves;
  • The student’s parent or caregiver approves; and
  • The eligible institution has space available for the secondary student.

Exception – Student Eligibility

Students not meeting the grade point eligibility requirements, or are first or second-year students may participate if:

Early College Tuition Rate at Maine’s Community Colleges

Students who either do not qualify for or have exceeded their individual Aspirations funding that are attending a Maine High School will be charged an Early College rate.

  • Maine’s community colleges will waive regular course fees.
  • Courses on campus or online are charged at the regular tuition rate (currently $96/per credit.)
  • Courses taught concurrently in Maine schools are charged at a reduced rate (currently $60/per credit.)

Special Programs:

  • These rates will apply to Bridge Academy students unless your college has a preexisting arrangement for those students.
  • Students in the Telstar Early College Program and Spring Ahead have preexisting arrangements.