4 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in Maine

There are many free colleges in Maine that are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and offer certificate and degree programs.

You cannot apply to an accredited college in Maine and expect free tuition. The first step toward learning about your financial aid opportunities is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

You can also consider other tuition assistance options to help fund your free college education such as scholarships or a tuition reimbursement program through your employer.

Online Colleges and Universities with Free Courses

You can potentially earn a free certificate or degree at one of the free online colleges listed below.

1. University of Maine, Augusta

The University of Maine, Augusta offers the Pine Tree State Pledge for first-year students and transfer students who have earned at least 30 credits.

The Pine Tree State Pledge is a tuition guarantee program that is available by submitting the FAFSA.

There are also several tuition waiver and scholarship opportunities to help reduce the cost of tuition.

Scholarships are provided to:

• new students
• continuing students
• transfer students

2. University of Maine, Fort Kent

You may qualify for free tuition through the Promise Program at the University of Maine, Fort Kent if you are Pell Grant eligible.

The Promise Program is an annual tuition discount package that covers the cost of tuition.

Find out if you are Pell Grant eligible by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Submitting a FAFSA will also consider you for other grant and scholarship opportunities such as the Maine State Grant.

3. University of Maine, Presque Isle

Earn a free degree at the University of Maine, Presque Isle. The University of Maine, Presque Isle offers free tuition for all Pell-eligible Maine residents.

Other grant and scholarship opportunities that significantly reduce the cost of tuition are available for other Maine residents who do not qualify for the Pell Grant.

If you want the full experience of an online UMPI course without academic credit, UMPI OpenU offers free online courses.

4. University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine offers several options to cut tuition costs. The Concurrent Enrollment program at the University of Southern Maine provides free tuition to eligible high school students in Maine.

Senior citizen students at the University of Southern Maine also receive free tuition and discounts on continuing and professional education.

You should take advantage of tuition waivers if you are an employee of the university, the dependent of an employee, or a Native North American.

How To Make College Free

There are several online colleges in Maine that provide a free education to academic achievers, military families, students in financial need, and more through financial aid and tuition assistance.

Financial aid and tuition assistance include opportunities such as grants, scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement programs, tuition and fee waivers, and more.

Make college free by choosing an accredited institution with low tuition costs and exhausting all your options for financial aid.

Apply for Grants

A grant can pay for your full tuition or provide funds to help with the cost of your tuition. Federal grants are mostly need-based programs that require you to submit a FAFSA.

Grants are also available through colleges, the Maine state government, and nonprofit or private organizations.

Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships are also provided by colleges, your state government, or private or nonprofit organizations to help financially support your college educational goals.

Scholarships recognize students for their financial need, academic achievements, specific majors, personal situations, or employment or military affiliation.

Save up to the total cost of your degree by applying grants and scholarships to your tuition.

Get Tuition Reimbursement from an Employer

If you are looking for more ways to make college free other than grants and scholarships, you may be eligible for a tuition reimbursement program from your employer.

Tuition reimbursement programs fund your college tuition based on agreed-upon terms by your employer.

Look Into Tuition and Fee Waivers

Tuition and fee waivers are offered by several colleges in Maine to help cover some or all the cost of tuition. Tuition waivers are usually for the accredited institution's employees, elderly students, and more.

Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree in Maine Today

If you want to attend a free college in Maine, consider all financial aid options and tuition assistance programs that cover or save money on the cost of tuition for your college degree.