It is possible that the Financial Aid awarded may not cover the full balance due, in which case you may need to make arrangements for alternative sources of funding to pay your bill.

Scholarships

Scholarships are funds that have been awarded to students based either on financial need, academic talent and/or other criteria and do not normally need to be repaid.   Students should search for scholarships as soon as they begin their senior year of high school and continue each year of college. Do not forget scholarships offered by community groups and organizations.

CAUTION! SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS – Use only free scholarship searches.  You should never pay for scholarship information.

Click here to view UMA Scholarships and Criteria and click here for a free FAME Scholarship Search.

Tuition Waivers

The University of Maine System Board of Trustees has established tuition and fee waiver programs for the benefit of students attending the University so that the student is not required to pay all or a portion of the University tuition and, in some cases, mandatory fees.  Students must meet specific criteria.

Click here to view UMS Tuition Waiver Programs (PDF document)

Payment Plans

The UMA Student Accounts Office offers the ability to structure tuition and fees payments using installment plans. Click here to view UMA Payment Plans.

Alternative Sources of Funding

  • Talk with your (your parents) employers about educational benefits that they may offer;
  • Apply for scholarships every year;
  • State agencies may offer educational assistance to eligible clients of state sponsored retraining programs;
  • Veterans and current military may be eligible for educational benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
  • Explore options available at your college:  including payment plans, work and/or volunteer programs;
  • Talk with an expert: Your lender, accountant, or financial planner may be able to give you specific advice relative to your own particular financial situation, and provide suggestions as to how to tap into other resources. Possibilities might include home equity loans, lines of credit, loans against retirement funds or life insurance policies, or any number of other ideas; and:
  • Consider private alternative educational loans only as a last resort.  These loans are based on the credit-worthiness of the applicant and may require a cosigner. Private loans generally will have higher variable interest rates than federal student aid loans and each lender sets its own interest rates, fees and terms. The Federal Government requires all Private loan borrowers to complete an Applicant Self Certification form.  The lender should provide this document.

For More Information