Financial Aid and Scholarships

Setting a new goal for yourself or your career can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Financing your dream can be a little scary. Our Financial Aid department should be your first stop in finding out what assistance might be available to you.

Graduate Degree Seeking Students

For our degree-seeking students, there are several programs available through the Federal Government to help you finance your education through grants, scholarships, and loans. The Office of Major Scholarships offers information, coaching, and support to help students compete for prestigious national merit-based scholarships. There are also competitive assistantships available through your program and around the University. The graduate school provides a wealth of information on the availability of assistantships on its website. It’s always a good idea to speak to your program advisor or chair and see what might be available through the department and follow some of the same guidelines outlined below for certificate programs.

Undergraduate Degree Seeking Students

Undergraduate students should visit the UMaine Admission website for a full list of scholarship opportunities. The Student Financial Aid Office and Office of Major Scholarships are also great resources for scholarship opportunities.

Here are a few scholarships particularly relevant for online students:

Non-Degree and Certificate Programs

For our non-degree seeking and certificate program enrollees, it’s a little tougher but not impossible. Here are some  tips and tricks for paying for your certificate program:

  • Research. There are a lot of ways to pay for continuing your education. Many times employers will have an education incentive program. Speak to someone in your Human Resources department. In addition, several professional associations offer some tuition assistance. Finally, there are private education loans available through your local lender or bank and professional scholarship/grant-seeking websites. Check those options out as well. If you do decide on a private loan, make sure that you ask the right questions. Check out the U.S. Department of Education website to get more information on the difference between Federally subsidized loans and private loans.
  • Start looking early. As is the case with all financial aid and scholarships, there are deadlines for applying and sometimes they are awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • Organize. Keep your information organized and easily accessible. Make a calendar for all of your important deadlines. Keep track of application procedures and the materials that you’ll need to apply.

Most importantly, always complete your FAFSA and make certain that you speak with a Financial Aid Advisor.