Maine Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Maine Scholarships & Grants

Maine offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Maine more affordable.

Maine State Grant via FAME and Opportunity Maine programs support residents.

What Scholarships and Grants Are Available for High School Seniors in Maine?

High school seniors in Maine can choose from a variety of scholarships and grants that reward academic excellence, financial need, and community involvement. Notable programs include the Maine Community Foundation Scholarships, which manage over 600 individual scholarship funds across the state, and the prestigious Mitchell Scholarship, awarded annually to one graduating senior from every public high school in Maine. Another key resource is the Maine State Grant Program, which provides need-based financial aid of up to $2,500 per year for students attending eligible in-state colleges or universities. These programs make it easier for Maine students to stay local and pursue higher education affordably.

What Scholarships and Grants Are Available for Undergraduate Students in Maine?

Undergraduate students in Maine have access to a wide range of scholarships and grants designed to support college completion and career readiness. The Worthington Scholarship helps students from select Maine high schools attend two- or four-year colleges with awards that can total up to $16,500 over four years. The Maine State Grant and programs administered by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) provide additional need-based and merit-based assistance. Students pursuing degrees in high-demand areas such as healthcare, technology, and engineering may also qualify for targeted STEM scholarships and workforce development grants that align with Maine’s economic priorities.

What Scholarships and Grants Are Available for College Students in Maine?

Current college students in Maine can apply for several state and institutional programs aimed at reducing debt and supporting degree completion. The Alfond Leaders Student Debt Reduction Program offers loan repayment assistance of up to $60,000 for STEM professionals who live and work in Maine after graduation. The Maine Tuition Waiver for Foster Youth provides full tuition coverage for students who were in foster care. Additionally, scholarships such as the FAME Maine Scholarship and the Worthington Scholarship help cover tuition, books, and housing costs for eligible students pursuing undergraduate degrees at in-state institutions.

What Are FAME Maine Scholarships and Grants?

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) administers several key financial aid programs that make higher education more accessible and affordable for Maine residents. These include:

• Maine State Grant: A need-based program providing up to $2,500 annually for eligible full-time undergraduate students attending in-state colleges or universities.
• NextGen Scholarship: An award for students enrolled in Maine’s NextGen 529 College Savings Plan, encouraging families to save for higher education.
• Alfond Leaders Program: A student debt reduction initiative offering up to $60,000 in loan forgiveness to STEM professionals who commit to living and working in Maine.

Together, these programs—administered by FAME—serve as a cornerstone of Maine’s commitment to college affordability and workforce retention. More details are available through the Finance Authority of Maine.

What Scholarships and Grants Are Available at Maine Community Colleges?

Students attending Maine’s Community Colleges have access to multiple scholarship and grant opportunities. The Maine Community College System (MCCS) Foundation Scholarship provides funding for academically strong students with financial need, while the Maine Quality Centers Program supports workforce training in high-demand industries such as manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare. Community college students are also eligible for statewide programs like the Maine State Grant and institutional aid offered through individual campuses. These resources make technical and associate degrees more affordable for students seeking immediate entry into the workforce.

Are There Scholarships and Grants for Nursing Students in Maine?

Yes. Maine offers several scholarships and loan forgiveness programs for nursing students and healthcare professionals. The Maine Health Professions Loan Program provides forgivable loans to students who agree to work in Maine after completing their nursing degree. The Maine Medical Center Scholarship supports nursing and allied health students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to serving Maine communities. In addition, many hospitals and regional healthcare organizations offer local grant programs to encourage students to pursue nursing careers and remain in-state after graduation.

What Scholarships and Grants Are Offered by UMaine?

The University of Maine (UMaine) offers numerous merit-based and need-based scholarships for both in-state and out-of-state students. Key awards include the Flagship Match Scholarship, which matches the in-state tuition rate of a student’s home state flagship university, and the Presidential Scholarship, awarded to high-achieving students with strong GPAs and test scores. The Maine Scholars Award provides additional funding for academic excellence and leadership. UMaine students may also qualify for state and federal grants, including the Maine State Grant and the Federal Pell Grant, to further reduce tuition costs.

What Scholarships and Grants Are Offered by the University of Southern Maine?

The University of Southern Maine (USM) provides a variety of scholarships to support both traditional and nontraditional students. The USM Promise Scholarship helps first-generation and low-income students afford college while offering mentorship and career development opportunities. The USM Merit Scholarship rewards strong academic performance for new and transfer students. In addition to institutional aid, USM students can access state programs such as the Maine State Grant, as well as federal aid like the Pell Grant and the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).