Resources for Graduates
The average Federal loan indebtedness for University of Maine undergraduates at graduation in 2011 was $22,749.
Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers
The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program is intended to encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession. Under this program, individuals who teach full time for five consecutive, complete academic years in certain elementary and secondary schools that serve low-income families and meet other qualifications may be eligible for forgiveness of up to a combined total of $17,500 in principal and interest on their FFEL and/or Direct Loan program loans. (Note: As of August 14, 2008, an otherwise eligible borrower may qualify for forgiveness if the borrower has provided qualifying teaching services at one or more locations that are operated by an educational service agency.)
Federal Perkins Loan Teacher Cancellation
You qualify for cancellation (discharge) of up to 100 percent of a Federal Perkins Loan if you have served full time in a public or nonprofit elementary or secondary school system as a
- teacher in a school serving students from low-income families; or
- special-education teacher, including teachers of infants, toddlers, children, or youth with disabilities; or
- teacher in the fields of mathematics, science, foreign languages, or bilingual education, or in any other field of expertise determined by a state education agency to have a shortage of qualified teachers in that state.
Guide to Federal Student Aid 2011–2012 (PDF)
A comprehensive guide to Federal Student Aid, produced by the Department of Education.
If you cannot access this pdf, please visit studentaid.ed.gov.
Cancellation and Consolidation
For information on loan cancellation or consolidation.
Exit Counseling
Once you graduate, you will need to complete exit counseling if you have received any Federal Stafford or Federal Perkins Loans.
National Student Loan Data System
Access to data regarding your Federal loans and Federal grants.
Graduate School at UMaine
For information on the University of Maine Graduate School.