Top 9 Maine Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Maine Scholarship & Financial Aid Snapshot

This quick snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and state-level resources. It shows how many scholarships we currently list for Maine, the total dollars represented, and a short overview of key state aid programs.

We currently have 19 scholarships in our database tagged for Maine. This includes statewide programs, school-specific awards, and private or foundation-based scholarships.

Across our Top 9 Maine Scholarship & Grant listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $14,000. Some programs are renewable or stackable, so your real lifetime value could be even higher depending on how long you remain eligible.

Maine students benefit from the Maine State Grant Program administered through FAME, which provides need-based funds to eligible residents. Opportunity Maine programs offer tax credits and repayment benefits for students who stay and work in the state after graduation. With many rural regions, Maine also has strong local community foundations that offer privately funded scholarships. Public universities and community colleges add institutional awards that can stack with the state grant. Maine students should file the FAFSA early, compare public vs. private aid packages carefully, and explore regional scholarships that often go unclaimed.

Top 9 Maine Scholarships (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Maine scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

1

Maine Campground Owners Association Scholarship

The Scholarship offered by the Maine Campground Owners Association (MECOA) supports Maine students who are pursuing education in outdoor recreation, hospitality or related fields. The award is designed to help prepare the next generation of professionals in Maine’s campground, outdoor-hospitality

Award: $500 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
2

Maine Bankers Association Scholarship

The scholarship, administered by the Maine Bankers Association through the Higher Education Assistance Foundation (HEAF), supports Maine high-school graduates who are planning to enroll full-time in a business-related degree program at a Maine college or university. The award recognizes academic

Award: $2,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
3

Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Foundation

The Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Foundation supports motivated high-school seniors in Maine who are pursuing training or education in the skilled trades—such as welding, electrical construction, diesel mechanics, precision machining, HVAC/plumbing, building construction or other technical programs. The foundation’s mission

Award: $500 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
4

Veterinary Scholarship Trust of New England (VSTONE) Scholarships

The Veterinary Scholarship Trust of New England (VSTONE) provides financial assistance to students from New England who are pursuing careers in veterinary medicine. Established to support the next generation of veterinarians, the trust awards annual scholarships to help reduce educational

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~13 min)
5

Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation Scholarship 

The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation offers scholarships to Maine residents attending accredited postsecondary institutions. The foundation aims to support students who demonstrate financial need and have a commitment to community service. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a Maine resident Must

Award: $3,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
6

Harold Alfond Foundation Scholarship 

The Harold Alfond Foundation Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to Maine residents pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited colleges or universities. The scholarship is aimed at students demonstrating academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to making a positive

Award: $5,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
7

New England FEMARA Scholarship

The New England FEMARA Scholarship is offered to students who are pursuing careers in engineering, manufacturing, or related fields. It is designed to support students from the New England area who demonstrate academic excellence and an interest in advancing the

Award: $2,500 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
8

Shaw-Worth Memorial Scholarship

Presented by The Humane Society of the United States, The Shaw-Worth Memorial Scholarship, provides a $2500 college scholarship to students who demonstrate a deep respect for animals and have a desire for working with animals. The Shaw-Worth Memorial Scholarship is

Award: $2,500 Deadline: March Est. Time: Low (~13 min)
9

Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship

The Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship is a renewable award designed to assist students from New England who demonstrate financial need, academic achievement and strong character. This scholarship provides significant annual funding—generally ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 per year—to support undergraduate

Award: $3,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~58 min)

Maine Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

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

High school seniors in Maine have access to an impressive selection of scholarships and grants designed to reduce the cost of college and encourage postsecondary enrollment across the state. These programs recognize academic achievement, financial need, leadership, community involvement, and career interests. One of the most valuable resources is the Maine Community Foundation Scholarships, which manages more than 600 individual scholarship funds statewide. These awards support a wide range of students—from aspiring engineers to future educators—and are available to residents in nearly every county.

Another major opportunity is the Mitchell Scholarship, one of Maine’s most prestigious awards. Each year, the Mitchell Institute selects one graduating senior from every public high school in Maine. Scholars receive financial support for college, plus ongoing leadership training, career mentoring, and access to internships—making this program especially impactful for first-generation and rural students.

In addition to merit programs, the state offers significant need-based support through the Maine State Grant Program. Eligible students can receive up to $2,500 annually to attend in-state colleges, including community colleges and four-year universities. This grant helps make staying in Maine for college far more affordable, particularly for low-income families. Combined with local community foundation grants, Rotary Club scholarships, and awards through organizations like the Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Foundation, Maine seniors can substantially reduce their college expenses.

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

Undergraduate students in Maine can take advantage of numerous statewide and institution-based financial aid programs aimed at increasing college completion and strengthening the local workforce. One of the most generous offerings is the Worthington Scholarship, which provides large multi-year awards—up to $16,500 over four years—to students from eligible high schools who enroll in two- or four-year colleges in Maine. Worthington Scholars also receive academic support and career guidance, improving retention and graduation rates.

The Maine State Grant, administered by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), offers need-based support that can be renewed annually. Combined with federal Pell Grants, it can significantly reduce the net price of college for lower-income students. Many undergraduates also qualify for specialized programs, such as STEM scholarships, which support students majoring in engineering, technology, healthcare, environmental science, and other high-demand fields.

Students who transfer from community colleges to four-year universities can often stack institutional scholarships, state grants, and federal aid to cover a large portion of their tuition costs. Maine also promotes workforce development through targeted programs that help students pursue occupations critical to the state’s economy—including nursing, mental health, education, and skilled trades.

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

Current college students in Maine benefit from a variety of state-supported and institution-specific programs dedicated to reducing student debt and encouraging career readiness. One of the most impactful initiatives is the Alfond Leaders Student Debt Reduction Program, which offers up to $60,000 in student loan repayment for Maine residents working in STEM-related fields after graduation. This program is especially beneficial for students entering high-demand careers such as biotechnology, engineering, computer science, and medical technology.

Students who have experienced foster care may qualify for the Maine Tuition Waiver for Foster Youth, which covers the full cost of tuition at any University of Maine System campus, Maine Community College System school, or Maine Maritime Academy. This program provides essential support for vulnerable students seeking long-term financial stability through higher education.

Additional state and institutional scholarships—such as the FAME Maine Scholarship and the Worthington Scholarship—help students cover costs related to tuition, books, technology, and housing. Many colleges also provide emergency grants to assist students facing unexpected financial challenges, helping them remain enrolled and complete their degrees.

What Are FAME Maine Scholarships and Grants?

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) plays a central role in promoting college affordability throughout the state. FAME administers several major grants and scholarship programs that support Maine residents from high school through graduate study. These programs address financial need, encourage educational savings, and promote workforce development.

  • Maine State Grant: A need-based grant offering up to $2,500 per year for eligible full-time undergraduate students at in-state colleges.
  • NextGen Scholarship: A savings-based incentive program awarded to students enrolled in Maine’s NextGen 529 College Savings Plan, helping families prepare early for college expenses.
  • Alfond Leaders Program: Provides up to $60,000 in loan forgiveness for STEM professionals living and working in Maine.

Together, FAME programs help reduce barriers to higher education and encourage graduates to remain in Maine’s workforce. More information is available on the FAME website.

What Scholarships and Grants Are Available at Maine Community Colleges?

Maine’s seven community colleges offer some of the most affordable degree and certificate programs in the state—and numerous financial aid opportunities to help students reduce costs even further. The Maine Community College System (MCCS) Foundation Scholarship supports academically strong students who demonstrate financial need. Awards often range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the program and campus.

Workforce-focused grants are also available through the Maine Quality Centers Program, which funds training in high-demand fields such as welding, HVAC, manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare. These programs often partner directly with local employers to prepare students for immediate job placement after graduation.

Community college students are also eligible for the Maine State Grant and federal aid programs, making two-year degrees remarkably cost-effective. Many campuses also offer targeted scholarships for adult learners, nontraditional students, and those pursuing specific career pathways.

Are There Scholarships and Grants for Nursing Students in Maine?

Yes. Nursing students in Maine have access to several generous financial aid programs designed to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce. With ongoing shortages in nursing, mental health, and primary care fields, Maine offers incentives to encourage students to pursue and remain in local healthcare careers.

The Maine Health Professions Loan Program provides forgivable loans to nursing students who commit to working in Maine after completing their degrees. Recipients who fulfill the service requirement—often two to three years of employment—can have a significant portion of their loans forgiven.

Additional support comes from programs like the Maine Medical Center Scholarship, which assists students pursuing nursing, allied health, and related fields. Many hospitals offer local tuition assistance or reimbursement programs for employees pursuing nursing degrees, especially those transitioning from CNA or LPN roles into RN or BSN programs.

What Scholarships and Grants Are Offered by UMaine?

The University of Maine (UMaine) offers a wide array of scholarships designed to attract high-achieving students and support Maine residents pursuing undergraduate degrees. One of the most popular awards is the Flagship Match Scholarship, which allows out-of-state students to pay the equivalent of their home state’s flagship public university tuition rate—making UMaine an affordable option for nonresidents.

For Maine residents, the Presidential Scholarship and Maine Scholars Award offer significant merit-based funding to students with exceptional academic performance, leadership, and community involvement. UMaine also supports transfer students, adult learners, and students in high-demand majors through specialized scholarships.

Students may also receive grants such as the Maine State Grant, Federal Pell Grant, SEOG, and institutional need-based aid to further reduce expenses. Many UMaine students combine multiple aid sources to create a comprehensive financial package.

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

The University of Southern Maine (USM) provides robust financial aid options for traditional and nontraditional students alike. The USM Promise Scholarship is one of the university’s most impactful programs, offering renewable financial aid to first-generation and low-income students. Recipients also receive mentoring, academic support, and career development opportunities throughout their college experience.

The USM Merit Scholarship awards high-achieving incoming and transfer students based on GPA, academic rigor, and leadership potential. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition and are often renewable for up to four years.

USM students can also benefit from statewide programs such as the Maine State Grant, FAME scholarships, the Pell Grant, and the SEOG. Combined, these programs help make USM a top choice for students seeking affordable, flexible pathways to a four-year degree in Maine.

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