Grants & Scholarships

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are awarded undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. UMF gives priority for SEOG funds to on-time financial aid applicants who receive Pell Grants. The maximum SEOG award at UMF is $4,000 for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

For more information about this program, consult this website:  studentaid.ed.gov

The Maine State Grant (MSG) Program provides scholarships to Maine residents pursuing education beyond high school. At UMF, the maximum MSG award for a full-time student at UMF is $2,500 per academic year. To apply for a Maine State Grant, a student must mail a completed FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA so that it is received by the Federal processor by May 1. To be eligible for a Maine State Grant, a student must:

• be a Maine resident for at least one year prior to application,
• have graduated from an approved secondary school or received a GED,
• be enrolled in an eligible school for a first undergraduate degree,
• have financial need, as determined by information provided on the FAFSA, and
• must meet general Federal requirements for student financial assistance.

For more specific information regarding Maine State Grants and other educational assistance programs offered by the state, contact the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) at 800-228-3734 (within Maine) or 207-623-3263. Students from other states are advised to contact their state education agency for information about their education assistance programs.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program provides funds of up to $4,000 to students who are completing or plan to complete coursework necessary to begin a career in teaching, and who agree to teach full-time for at least four years.

UMF is considered a TEACH Grant-eligible institution for the following majors:

Special Education
Secondary Education Science
Secondary Education Math

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be enrolled in one of the above majors
• Must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• Be a Junior or Senior in your program
• Maintain a 3.25 GPA

Service Obligation

You must complete the four years of teaching within eight years of earning your degree, or ceasing to be enrolled in the program for which you received a TEACH Grant.  This requirement, known as your TEACH Grant service obligation, requires that you teach:

• As a highly qualified teacher
• At a school or educational service agency (ESA) servicing low-income students
• In a high-need field

Lists of approved fields and schools can be found at the website listed below.

If a grant recipient does not meet the service obligation, the TEACH Grant funds received are converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid with interest accruing from the date each grant disbursement was made.

You must complete a FAFSA, an Agreement to Serve or Repay, and TEACH Grant Counseling each year you receive a TEACH Grant to be eligible. Contact our office at (207) 778-7100 to obtain more information on the TEACH Grant, or you can go to www.studentaid.gov/teach-grant-program.

This program covers tuition and mandatory fees (required fees charged of all students enrolled at the institution and automatically assessed at the time of registration exclusive of travel and accommodation fees related to travel courses; mandatory fees include course and program fees as determined by the campus).  Tuition and mandatory fees will be waived for qualified students, both matriculated and non-matriculated, who are enrolled in academic, credit-bearing courses at the undergraduate, graduate, or continuing education level at the campuses of the University of Maine System.

Program Eligibility

•  A student must be a citizen and be included on the current tribal census of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet, the Aroostook Band of Micmac, or have at least one parent or grandparent who is included on the current tribal census of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet, the Aroostook Band of Micmac.  OR:
• A student must be a citizen and be included on the current tribal census of a Canadian Wabanaki Tribe or have at least one parent or grandparent who is included on the current tribal census, and have lived in Maine for at least twelve months, for purposes other than education, immediately prior to application. OR:
• A student must be a citizen and be included on a current tribal census of a federally, state or provincially recognized Native American Tribe and who have lived in Maine for at least twelve months, for purposes other than education, immediately prior to application.
• Proof of residency is required for all applicants with the exception of current tribal citizens and their direct biological descendants (e.g., parent or grandparent was a tribal member) of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet, or the Aroostook Band of Micmac. The residency guidelines are the same as those employed for any student and can be located within the UMS Administrative Practice Letter found at:  https://www.maine.edu/apls/apl-iv-g/.
• Matriculating students must apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and supply all required documentation to the Financial Aid Office at the campus they are attending.  For the academic year and/or the fall semester, the FAFSA must be filed and the aid application completed by September 1st.  For the spring semester, the FAFSA must be filed and the aid application completed by January 1st.
• All students must remain eligible to register for classes and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by federal guidelines.  Degree-seeking students will be evaluated based on the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy of the campus where they are matriculating.  Students who are not matriculating at any campus of the University of Maine System will be evaluated using the University of Maine Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. The policy can be found at: http://umaine.edu/stuaid/sap/.

Room and Board Grant

The Native American Room and Board Grant Program is a need-based award for qualified Native American students living in a residence hall of the campus where they are matriculating.  Students will be subsidized at the double occupancy rate for the student’s residence.  Charges for single, double single, or computer or telephone devices, for which there is a separate charge, will be the responsibility of the student tenant.  Board charges will be subsidized at the rate associated with the standard meal plan, not to exceed the cost of the maximum meal plan.  Room and board charges will be covered only during the traditional academic year (fall and spring terms) and are not covered for breaks between semesters.  Exceptions may be granted in cases where a student’s major requires enrollment in an academic session outside the traditional academic year.

Grant Eligibility

•  Students must meet all eligibility requirements of the Native American Waiver and Educational Program and be certified as eligible by the Wabanaki Center at the University of Maine.
•  Students must be matriculating in an undergraduate or graduate degree program within the University of Maine System, enrolled in a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours for undergraduates or nine (9) credit hours for graduate students at USM, or six (6) credits hours for graduate students at UM at the end of add/drop, and living in a residence hall of the campus where they are matriculating.  Full-time enrollment for graduate students working on their thesis or dissertation, and/or on a campus other than UM and USM, will be classified as full time in accordance with the policies on their campus of matriculation. Exceptions to the minimum enrolled hour requirement may be granted in cases where educational accommodations are required.   Room and board charges will be covered ONLY during the time period when the student is actively enrolled.
• Students must apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and supply all required documentation to the Financial Aid Office at the campus at which they are matriculated.  For the academic year and/or the fall semester, the FAFSA must be filed and the aid application completed by September 1st.  For the spring semester, the FAFSA must be filed and the aid application completed by January 1st. In order to qualify for the full range of financial aid available to qualified applicants, students are strongly encouraged to file their FAFSA by the priority financial aid filing date specified at their institution.
• Students must meet all of the general eligibility requirements of the Federal Title IV Financial Aid programs, including Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
•  Students who maintain a permanent private residence, other than the parent’s home, within commuting distance of the university are NOT eligible for room and board grants.
• Persons employed by the University of Maine System on a half-time or greater basis and who are carried on the University employee payroll are NOT eligible for the room and board grant.

Please contact the Merrill Center at 778-7100 for more information or questions about eligibility.

There are many scholarships available to students to help pay for education.  Below are some additional scholarship opportunities that are administered either through the Financial Aid Office, or outside entities.  Students are encouraged to look for scholarships, and apply for as many as possible to help limit the need for borrowing.

Worthington Scholarship

The Worthington Scholarship Foundation is committed to making a college education affordable for students in Maine by awarding scholarships to graduates of Maine public high schools who will be attending participating Maine colleges. Awards are based on financial need and merit and are renewable for up to eight semesters. We are proud to partner with the Worthington Scholarship Foundation to provide this incredible scholarship opportunity to eligible students who attend UMF.

Please visit www.worthingtonscholars.org for eligibility requirements and to apply. If you have any additional questions, please contact info@worthingtonscholars.org or call 207-596-5800.

Maine State Society of Washington DC Foundation

These scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, were awarded to full-time students who completed at least one year of undergraduate courses at a four-year degree granting, non-profit institution of higher learning in the State of Maine. Scholarships were funded by generous donations from members of the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C., and other lovers of the state of Maine and supporters of tomorrow’s leaders.  Must be a Maine resident for at least 4 years, and have not reached your 25th birthday.  Deadline is April 15, 2025.  Application can be found at:  https://mainestatesociety.org/application

The Jay Foundation Scholarship

Was established in the University of Maine System in 1992 to assist former strikers, their families and the communities affected by the 1987-88 International Paper strike.  The income from the fund shall be used to provide annual scholarship assistance in the amount of at least $500 to needy students enrolled in an Associate or Baccalaureate degree program at any campus of the University of Maine System.  It is limited to members in good standing of the Maine AFL-CIO, their spouses, and their dependents as defined by the Internal Revenue Service.  Please notify the Financial Aid Office if you feel you meet the criteria.

The Bath Iron Works (BIW) Scholarship Fund

Established in 1990 by Bath Iron Works and its employees to provide scholarship aid to needy undergraduate students in good academic standing, enrolled at a campus of the University of Maine System.  Preference given to BIW employees and their daughters and sons.  Notify the Financial Aid Office of your interest in the scholarship.

Candance Johnson Vinette Scholarship

Candance Johnson Vinette was employed as Associate Director of Financial Aid at the University of Maine at Farmington until her death in January, 1990.  The Candance Johnson Vinette Scholarship Fund was established by UMF with memorial gifts from family and friends.  Eligible students must meet the following criteria:  a senior in a bachelor’s degree program; has financial need, as determined by the Financial Aid Office (applicant must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid); has attended UMF for at least one year; is in good academic standing; has not earned a prior bachelor’s degree; provides evidence of leadership and service to others; and is a Maine resident.  Contact the Financial Aid Office for an application.

Citizens Scholarship

The Citizens Scholarship will award a $2,500 monthly scholarship, as well as an annual $15,000 award.  It is available to all Undergraduate and Graduate students enrolled at least half-time in an eligible, accredited, undergrad/grad post-secondary institution.  Entries need to be submitted between 7/1/2024 and 3/31/2025.  Monthly awards of $2,500 will be made from 8/1/2024 through 4/31/2025, with the Annual Grand Prize of $15,000 awarded in April of 2025.  To enter go to:  www.citizensbank.com/scholarship

Gorham Savings Bank Scholarship Fund

Established in 2003 for the benefit of the University of Maine System campuses with a gift from Gorham Savings Bank.  First preference will be given to children, stepchildren, and grandchildren of Gorham Savings Bank’s current employees. The verification burden of the employment relationship will be on the student to provide to the Financial Aid Office.  If there are no students meeting the first preference, the recipient shall be a graduate of a high school in the Gorham Savings Bank’s service area who demonstrates either a financial need or a high academic standing.  Minimum award of at least $500.  Application

The CPM Constructors Fund

Established in 2002 for the benefit of the University of Maine System with a gift from CPM Constructors of Freeport, Maine.  A first preference shall be given to full-time or seasonal employees (within the last 12 months) or to children, stepchildren and grandchildren of current CPM employees attending any University of Maine System campus studying engineering, technology, or business.  The student must provide verification of any employment relationship with CPM to the Financial Aid Office.  The minimum award for each recipient will be at least $1,000.  Application

The Sebago Technics Scholarship Fund

Awarded to children, stepchildren, and grandchildren of Sebago Technics’ current employees.  Applicants qualifying under this preference need not show financial need or academic achievement.  The verification burden of the employment relationship will be on the student to provide to the University of Maine System campus Office of Student Financial Aid.  In the event more than one Sebago Technics employees’ child, stepchild, or grandchild is attending a University of Maine System institution, the amount available for the award will be split equally between the students.  The scholarship may be renewed to a Sebago Technics employees’ child, stepchild, or grandchild; however, should more than one Sebago Technics employees’ child, stepchild, or grandchild be eligible, the award will go to the applicant(s) who has not received the award in previous years.  Application

Webber Energy Fuels Scholarship

To be used to award undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time at any UMS campus in the following order of preference: 1) current, full-time Webber Group employees who have been employed by Webber Group for two years or more.  These recipients are not required to be matriculated into a degree program but must be enrolled in at least two classes per semester and maintain at least a C- average.  2)  Children of current, full-time employees who have been employed by Webber Group for two years or more.  These recipients must be matriculated into a degree program and maintain at least a C- average.  Students who have court-appointed guardians who are Webber Group employees of two years or more shall also be eligible.  3)  Undergraduate students within the University of Maine System who are graduates of Maine HIgh Schools.  Application

Midcoast Maine AAUW Scholarship Fund

Awarded to students attending any of the University of Maine System campuses and entering their Sophomore year, having attained a grade point average of 3.0 or better in their first year.  One student who graduated from a high school in Lincoln County, one student who graduated from a high school in Knox County, and one student who graduated from a high school in Waldo County shall be selected each year.  Applicants will submit their application to the Office of Student Financial Aid at the University of Maine at Orono.  The application will be accompanied by an essay describing the applicant’s educational, personal, and career goals and a letter of recommendation from a professor, an employer, or a community member.  Preference shall be given to applicants who have engaged in community service or extracurricular activities or who possess special skills (including, but not limited to managing horse farms, lobster fishing, nursing training, or musical abilities).  Application

Irene Currier Oldfield ’73 and Jeffrey J. Oldfield 4-H Scholarship

The Irene Currier Oldfield ’73 and Jeffrey J. Oldfield 4-H Scholarship is awarded to students attending any of the University of Maine System campuses who have participated in 4-H. Application

UMF is approved for student benefits through the Maine Rehabilitation Commission. Applicants for Maine Vocational Rehabilitation educational benefits must also apply for and be eligible for financial aid.