Student Financial Aid

Types of Aid Available

Federal Pell Grants - This is a federally funded program to help needy students.  These funds do not have to be repaid.  

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants - This is a federally funded program to help needy students.  Grants will range from $100 to $4,000 and do not have to be repaid.

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) - This is a federally funded program to help needy students.  Additional criteria for this program can be found by clicking here.  

Federal SMART Grant - This is a federally funded program to help needy students.  Additional criteria for this program can be found by clicking here.  

University Grants - These are funded by the University.  Awards range from $100 to $4,000 and are given on the basis of financial need and do not have to be repaid.

Federal Work Study Employment - This is a program funded by the University and the federal government.  Eligible students may earn between $600 and $3,000 per year.  A student's financial need governs the amount that can be earned.  Additional information about this program may be found by clicking here.  

Federal Perkins Loans - Funded by the federal government, the University, and former borrowers repaying loans, this program lends money to needy students.  No repayment is required until after the student ceases half time course of study.  Once repayment begins, the student is charged 5% simple interest on the amount borrowed.  While the monthly repayment amount varies with the amount borrowed, a minimum of $40 must be repaid each month.  Loans vary between $200 and $2,500 annually.

Federal Nursing Student Loans - Funded by the federal government, the University and loans repaid by former borrowers, money is lent to needy nursing students.  Repayment terms are similar to those of the Perkins Loan.  Loans range from $200 to $2,500. 

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan - This program, sponsored by the federal and state governments, allows students to secure low-cost loans.  Eligibility for Subsidized Stafford Loans is based on demonstrated financial need.  Additional information about this program  may be found by clicking here.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan - This program provides access to borrowing for students who do not qualify for need-based assistance.  The student is responsible for the interest as it accrues.  Additional information about this program may be found by 
clicking here.

Federal Parent Loans - This program, sponsored by the federal and state governments, allow parents to secure relatively low-cost loans.  For additional information about the program or to print a Parent Loan application request form, click here.  

Alternative Loans - This alternative, credit-based loan program provides long term financing options for qualified families.  Additional information about these programs may be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Aid.  Additional information about this program may be found by clicking here.  

North American Indian Waiver & Scholarship Program - Tuition, mandatory fees, and on-campus room and/or board will be waived for qualified and eligible North American Indians residing in Maine.  Eligibility is extended to 1) the person whose name is included on the current census of either the Passamaquoddy or Penobscot Tribes; and 2) the person who has resided in Maine for at least one year and whose name, or the name of at least on of their grandparents, was included on the census of a North American Tribe OR held a band number of the Maliseet or Micmac Tribes with direct blood lineage.  Additional information about this program may be found by clicking here.