Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid exists to help those students who need financial assistance as they pursue their education. Financial assistance of a variety of types is available for those who qualify.
Most aid is awarded to students on the basis of financial need. The basic premise underlying the financial aid program is that the primary responsibility for meeting college expenses rests with the student. Where appropriate, parents and spouse are taken into consideration when making a determination of resources which should be available to meet educational expenses.
After a determination of available resources is made, these resources are subtracted from a budget which is based on normal education and living costs. The remainder or difference (budget minus resources) is a student's financial need, and it is this information that is used in allocating need based aid funds. The total amount of aid a student is awarded will not exceed the student's budget.
All financial aid falls into three categories. These are: 1) grants and scholarships, frequently referred to as gift assistance because they do not normally have to be repaid; 2) student loans, on which payments with low interest begin six to nine months after the student has left school; and 3) work assistance, which is part-time employment. Loan and work assistance are frequently referred to as self-help assistance. Most financial aid to an individual student comes in the form of a "package"—the aid offered contains a mixture of gift and self-help assistance.
Application Procedures
Students should apply for financial aid as soon after January 1 of each year as possible. UMA's preferred application date is March 1. For fast service, apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Every financial aid applicant must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The forms are also available from the Office of Financial Aid in Augusta, the Office of Admissions and Student Enrollment Services in Bangor, the Office of Student Services in Lewiston-Auburn, and at off-campus centers. Tax returns and other supporting documentation may be requested. If so, they must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid in Augusta.
All applicants must be admitted into a degree or certificate program. Students who have previously earned a baccalaureate degree may be eligible for Federal Stafford Loans only.
Types of Aid
Scholarships
This is a partial listing of available scholarships for UMA students. In general, scholarships require a minimum academic grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 unless otherwise specified. Scholarships that are preceded by an * are based on demonstrated financial need determined by the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must file the FAFSA prior to March 1 for each academic year in order to be considered.
Unless otherwise noted, students must complete the application process by completing and submitting a General Scholarship Application by March 1. These forms are available in the Office of Financial Aid and at various sites and centers from January 1 through the end of February.
- Augusta Kiwanis Club -- Janet A White Scholarship: This scholarship, established by the Augusta Kiwanis Club, is intended for nontraditional students who have demonstrated leadership and academic excellence. The amount varies.
- Augusta Rotary Club Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for currently enrolled students who reside in the Augusta area and have demonstrated academic excellence and community service involvement. The amount varies.
- Bath Iron Works (BIW) Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students who are in good academic standing. Preference is given to BIW employees and their children. Obtain application form from the Office of Financial Aid. There is no deadline. The amount varies.
- John Blodgett Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for currently enrolled students who are in good academic standing. The amount varies.
- Business & Professional Women's Club/Maine Futurama Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for currently enrolled single, female students who are Maine residents. Alternates annually between the Augusta, Bangor, and Lewiston-Auburn campuses. Apply by sending a letter outlining your eligibility to the Office of Financial Aid. The amount varies.
- Calumet Educational & Literary Foundation Scholarship Award: This scholarship is intended for current UMA sophomores in good academic standing who reside in the Augusta area (04300-04399) and have plans for a career in government or public service. The amount varies.
- M. Richard Cameron Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students who are second-year criminal justice majors and have current or prior military experience attending the Augusta location. The amount varies.
- Dick Cash Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for currently enrolled students in the jazz program. Preference is given to high school graduates or residents from Knox, Lincoln, and Waldo counties. Apply by contacting the music department. The amount varies.
- Bruce Collier Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for currently enrolled University College of Bangor campus students. No application is required. The amount varies.
- Celeste Cote Memorial Award: This award is for a graduate of UMA in Medical Laboratory Technology or a related health science field. Students who meet the criteria are automatically considered for this scholarship. The amount varies.
- Reverend John J. Curran Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students who reside in the Augusta area and have demonstrated leadership and service to UMA. The amount varies.
- Charles Dana Danforth Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for current students pursuing an education in art or music and have demonstrated talent, ability, and motivation. Students who meet the criteria are automatically considered for this scholarship. The amount varies.
- Harriet F. DeHoff Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for UMA nursing students entering the second year of the Nursing Program who are in good academic standing. Contact the nursing division for additional information. The amount varies.
- Dental Plan of Maine Dental Hygiene Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for currently enrolled full-time students majoring in dental assisting or dental hygiene and have demonstrated satisfactory academic progress. Students who meet the criteria are automatically considered for this scholarship. The amount varies.
- Dental Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for currently enrolled full time students majoring in dental assisting or dental hygiene who have demonstrated satisfactory academic progress. Students who meet the criteria are automatically considered for this scholarship. The amount varies.
- Raymond L. Files and Fedora F. Files Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students who are Maine residents, preferably Gorham or its vicinity. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required. The amount varies.
- Francis T. and Catherine B. Finnegan Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for financially needy students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English and/or a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at UMA's Augusta campus.
- John P. Fitch Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students who have a minimum 3.0 GPA at the University campuses at Augusta, Orono, or Portland. The amount varies.
- John Bayley Fox Endowed Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for incoming freshman students who are on-time applicants, members of the most recent graduating class with a grade average of B or better, and from Andover, Maine. Selection is made in consultation with the guidance officers at Telstar Regional High School, Mountain Valley High School, and Gould Academy. The amount varies.
- Harold F. French Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for needy students. Preference is given to Maine residents from Glenburn. The amount varies.
- Richard J. Goggin Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for a current student who has successfully completed one year in the Business Administration Program. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required. The amount varies.
- Hervey A. Hanscom Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts or in a program qualifying for a liberal arts degree, even if the degree is obtained in another area. For students residing in York County with preference is given to students from Sanford and Lebanon. The amount varies.
- Alonzo J. Harriman Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for needy and deserving students. The amount varies.
- C. Richard Haskell Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for currently enrolled students who are in good academic standing and actively participating in athletics and recreational activities. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. The amount varies.
- H.E.S. Scholarship Endowment: This scholarship is intended for third or fourth year students who are in good academic standing and have a minimum 2.6 GPA. The amount varies.
Edna L. Higgins Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students from the Greater Portland area. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. The amount varies. - General Edmund W. Hill Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for worthy students. The amount varies.
- Lloyd J. Jewett Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students who are in strong academic standing and reside in the Kennebec Valley area. Preference is given to part-time students. The amount varies.
- Larry Johnson Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for junior students who are in good academic standing and have a special interest in professional preparation in community health education. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required. The amount varies.
- Bennett D. Katz Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for currently enrolled students who are in good academic standing. The amount varies.
- Harold S. Leach Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students who have graduated from high school in Knox County. The amount varies.
- The Kennebec Leadership Institute/Honors Program Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for Honors Program students who have actively participated and contributed to the program and will be continuing studies at UMA during the upcoming academic year. The amount varies.
- Agnes M. Lindsay Trust System Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students from rural areas of New England. Recipients may receive the scholarship for up to two years with preference given to full-time students entering their junior year. The amount varies.
- Margaret S. MacKnight Scholarship: This scholarship is intended to give scholarship assistance to students. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required. The amount varies.
- Maine American Institute of Architects Scholarships: This scholarship is based on academic merit and need. Must be in the bachelor's degree of architecture and completed first two years of architectural studio courses. Must be used toward direct tuition and fee expenses.
- Maine Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute of Construction Technology Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for Maine residents who are pursuing a career in architectural or engineering technologies and have demonstrated active involvement in either a career or industry organization or association. Students must be in good academic standing after successfully completing one full year. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required. The amount varies.
- The Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for full-time Augusta or Lewiston-Auburn campus students majoring in a business related program such as accounting, business management, or economics. These students must be in good academic standing and Maine high school graduates. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. The amount varies.
- Louis, Etta, and Sadie Marcus Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students who are legal residents of the towns of Stonington or Deer Isle both in Hancock County; North Haven, Vinalhaven, and Matinicus Plantation in Knox County; and Islesboro in Waldo County. The amount varies.
- Elizabeth H. Mitchell Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for full-time or part-time female students who are majoring in government and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The amount varies.
- George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for exchange of college students between Ireland and the University of Maine System. One full-year scholarship or two, one-semester scholarships consisting of a waiver of tuition, fees, and room and board by the Irish Institution shall be awarded annually to a UMS student. This scholarship is awarded to full-time students who have completed at least one semester (or who are immediate past graduates) with a GPA of at least 3.0 based on demonstrated leadership abilities and commitment to community service. UMA students should contact Professor Jill Rubinson for additional information.
- Don Pillsbury Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students pursuing a degree in music and have demonstrated talent, ability, and motivation. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. The amount varies.
- Cecil E. Powers Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for University College of Bangor campus students in good academic standing majoring in criminal justice. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. The amount varies.
- President's Scholarships -- Athletic Based: This scholarship is intended for students participating in men's or women's basketball or soccer. Preference is given to new UMA students. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. Contact the athletic director for additional information. The amount is half tuition based on a 12-credit hour per semester tuition cost.
- President's Scholarships -- Dean's Choice: This scholarship is intended for students who have demonstrated leadership and the ability to succeed academically. Preference is given to new UMA students. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. The amount is half tuition based on a 12-credit hour per semester tuition cost.
- President's Scholarships -- Emerging Leader: This scholarship is intended for students participating in the Emerging Leaders Program. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. The amount is half tuition based on a 12-credit hour per semester tuition cost.
- President's Scholarships -- General Awards: This scholarship is intended for graduating high school seniors ranking in the top 25th percentile. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. The amount is half tuition based on a 12-credit hour per semester tuition cost.
- President's Scholarships -- Honors Program: This scholarship is intended for students in the Honors Program. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. The amount is half tuition based on a 12-credit hour per semester tuition cost.
- President's Scholarships -- International Students: This scholarship is intended for new UMA students who demonstrate the ability to succeed academically. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. The amount is half tuition based on a 12-credit hour per semester tuition cost.
- President's Scholarships -- Pep Band: This scholarship is intended for new UMA students who are pursuing a bachelor's degree in music and have passed a Pep Band audition. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. Contact the music department for additional information. The amount is half tuition based on a 12-credit hour per semester tuition cost.
- President's Scholarships -- Student Government: This scholarship is intended for students currently serving as the president of SGA at UMA, UCB, LAC, or in the distance education division. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. The amount is two-thirds tuition based on a semester's tuition cost.
- Kenneth D. Robinson Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for meritorious or needy students who are Maine residents and intent on entering long-term care professions. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for meritorious applications and a 2.0 GPA for needy applications. The amount varies.
- Martin and Molly Schwartz Scholarship: This scholarship in intended for degree candiates who are enrolled at least one-half time and are single parents whose income meets eligibility guidelines for AFDC (TANF) plus 20 percent. The amount varies.
- Harold L. Seavey Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for graduates of Portland High School, Deering High School, or South Portland High School. The amount varies.
Lila and Vernon Segal Fund: This scholarship is intended for students from Augusta, Manchester, or Winthrop, Maine. The amount varies. - Student Government Association -- Augusta Based: This scholarship is intended for current Augusta-based students who have demonstrated campus leadership and have completed two consecutive semesters with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The amount varies.
- UCB Employees' Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students enrolled at the UCB campus who plan to continue their attendance at UCB for the following academic year. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required. The amount varies.
- Unified Fee Scholarship: This scholarship is intended to assist students with costs associated with child care, travel, books, and other miscellaneous educational expenses. Apply by completing and submitting the Unified Fee Scholarship Application available from the Office of Financial Aid. The amounts vary and awards are on-going.
- Joel J. and Annie H. Walker Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students who have been residents of Liberty, Appleton, Palermo, Searsmont, or Washington in the state of Maine for at least three years prior to applying for the award. Selection is based on ability, character, financial need, and academic standing. Applications available at UMA Office of Financial Aid.
- Kenneth C. Ward Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for current UMA freshman or sophomore students who have demonstrated proficiency in math. No application is required. Selection is made by UMA representatives. The amount varies.
Grants
Federal Pell Grant is a federally-funded grant program. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant varies depending upon the cost of attendance, the number of credits for which the student is enrolled (full time, three quarter, half time, or less than half time), and the calculated expected family contribution. Federal Pell Grant funding is available for students who have not previously earned a baccalaureate degree.
Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is a federally funded program to help needy students. Eligibility is determined, in part, by the students' completion of a state designated rigorous high school program of study.
Federal SMART Grant (National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent) is a federally funded program to help needy students. Eligibility is determined, in part, by enrolling in college majors in high demand.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program is a federally-funded program for undergraduate students with financial need and availability of funds. FSEOG grants are available in amounts ranging from $100 to $4,000 per year with priority for Federal Pell Grant recipients.
Maine State Grant is a state funded grant program for qualified full-time and/or part-time students that are residents of the state of Maine who have applied for federal aid by May 1.
University Grant is a University-funded grant based on financial need and availability of funds. Grants range from $100 to $4,000.
Waivers
Waivers are available to students meeting certain criteria. Students qualifying for waivers receive tuition and/or fee reductions. The tuition waivers usually apply to for-credit courses. Each university has the right to designate tuition waivers for non-credit courses for employees and senior citizens.
In some cases, applicants eligible to receive University tuition waivers and/or scholarships are also eligible to receive benefits from non-University financial aid programs. The total available aid may exceed a student's total educational costs. University tuition waivers and scholarships will be administered so that total financial aid does not exceed a student's total educational costs. Where UMA policy and federal financial aid regulations differ, federal regulations will prevail.
Total financial aid is to be defined as all federal, state, and institutional aid and educational assistance from outside sources.
Dependent Tuition Waiver: Dependents of University employees may be eligible for a partial tuition waiver. Contact the personnel office of the employee's campus for specific details.
Employee Tuition Waiver: Employees may be eligible to take up to two courses each semester, depending on space availability. Contact the personnel office on the employee's campus for specific details.
High School Aspirations Incentive Program: The High School Aspirations Incentive Program is for all students currently attending public or private Maine high schools or being home schooled in Maine homes, as well as adult education diploma candidates who are within one calendar year of diploma completion. For Maine residents attending Maine high schools, the student waiver is one half the in-state tuition rate. For non-Maine residents attending Maine high schools, the student waiver is one half the out-of-state tuition rate. Traditional high school students must have both school and parent approval, a minimum high school grade point average of B or better, and must be either a junior or senior. Adult education students must have approval from the adult education director and/or counselor and must have maintained a B or above average in their adult education course work. Students may take for-credit courses for which they have met the prerequisites depending on space availability. Traditional high school students may take a maximum of two courses or up to six credit hours per semester during their junior and senior years. Adult education students may take a maximum of two courses or up to six credit hours per semester for a maximum of two semesters. This program is limited to regular University courses taught by University faculty through direct, on-site instruction at a University of Maine System university or center during the regular academic year (fall and spring semesters only). Some exemptions to this program include instruction delivered through ITV, asynchronous/Web-based courses, and directed study methods. Contact UMA Registrar's Office.
Native Americans (Effective September 1999): The waiver applies to matriculated and non-matriculated students who are enrolled in academic, credit-bearing courses at the undergraduate, graduate, or continuing education level within the University of Maine System.
This program covers tuition, mandatory fees, and campus room and board charges for individuals included on the current tribal census of the Passamaquoddy Nation, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet, the Aroostook Band of Micmac, or Maine residents for at least twelve months immediately prior to application who have at least one parent or grandparent included on the census of a state, federal, or provincial North American Indian tribe or held a band number of the Maliseet or Micmac tribes. To maintain participation in the program, students must continue to show satisfactory academic progress as defined by institutional policy and/or federal guidelines.
Students who change campuses within the University of Maine System must reapply for the waiver and resubmit evidence of eligibility to the Native American Program coordinator on the new campus. At UCB, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Enrollment Services.
Senior Citizens Waiver: Persons over age 65 demonstrating financial need may apply for tuition waivers for credit bearing undergraduate courses. Persons over age 65 may apply for tuition waivers to audit undergraduate courses. Waivers are approved based on space availability. Contact the UMA Registrar's Office.
Trustee Waiver: See President's Scholarships.
Veterans' Dependent Waiver: Tuition, mandatory fees, and lab fees are waived for eligible orphans, widows, and widowers of veterans as well as spouses and children of veterans who are disabled, missing in action, etc. Initial eligibility is determined by the Veteran's Affairs Office of the State of Maine. Students must be enrolled in an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree program. The waiver is administered so that total financial aid does not exceed a student's total education costs. MRSA, Title 37-B, Section 505, as amended 2002, P. L. c. 662.
Loans
Federal Perkins Loan: The federal government, the University, and former borrowers repaying loans fund this loan program. Students demonstrating financial need may apply for Federal Perkins loans. Awards are dependent upon availability of funds. Students are limited to borrowing a maximum of $4,000 per year with a maximum of $20,000 for four years. An entrance interview is required of all new borrowers.
Nursing Loans: The federal government, the University, and former borrowers repaying loans fund this loan program. Students in an undergraduate nursing program demonstrating financial need may apply for nursing loans. Awards are dependent upon availability of funds. An entrance interview is required of all new borrowers.
Federal Stafford Loan Program (subsidized and unsubsidized): Students may apply for loans under the Federal Stafford Loan Program through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. The federal government pays the interest on the loan until repayment begins. An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. Students are charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Stafford loan interest rates may be adjusted each year. An entrance interview is required for all new borrowers.
Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS): This loan program is a low-interest loan program designed for parents of dependent students. Parents should obtain PLUS loan applications from the lending institution of their choice.
Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study Program is a federally-funded financial aid program which allows eligible students to earn money to help meet educational expenses. Federal work-study is awarded to eligible students as a portion of the overall financial aid package. Students are paid bi-weekly for hours worked until the total award has been earned. Federal work-study funds cannot be used to pay for work that is religious, political, or performed for the benefit of a private individual. Because of this, students can be paid for general office work but cannot be paid for typing a dissertation or assisting with private consultation. Students cannot be hired to replace regular employees and all employment practices must comply with existing civil rights and wage and hour regulations. Students are paid only for hours worked.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Continued eligibility for financial aid depends on a student making satisfactory academic progress toward completion of degree requirements. The University's educational progress scale has been incorporated with federal requirements to establish appropriate progress. A copy of this standard is available on the financial aid Web site (www.uma.edu/finaid.html) or in the Office of Financial Aid.
Withdrawals
Students withdrawn from all courses who have received Title IV financial aid will have the aid adjusted in accordance with rules established by the U. S. Department of Education. This may result in the student owing a balance to the University.
Students must complete an exit interview with the UMA Office of Student Accounts if they have received a Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Loan, Federal Stafford Loan, and/or a Nursing Loan. Federal Stafford and Federal Perkins Loans exit interviews may be completed by mail, in person, or online at mapping-your-future.org. Nursing Loan exit interviews must be completed by mail or in person. Contact the Office of Students Accounts at 1-877UMA-1234 ext. 3415 for further information regarding exit interviews.