Admissions

Parents & Family

​​Your student’s college journey is a significant milestone – for them and for you. At UMaine, we recognize the important role families play in the college search, and we’re here with tools and guidance to help you support their success.

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Important Dates & Application Timeline

Step 1: Apply

Step 2: Schedule a Visit

  • Exploring UMaine? Join us for an Open House.
    See what it’s like to be a Black Bear. Tour campus, meet faculty, and get a feel for our residence halls and dining options.
  • Already accepted? Come to an Accepted Student Day.
    Meet future classmates, connect with faculty, and get a closer look at student life and campus resources.

Step 3: Get Financial Aid

  • Submit your FAFSA. Earlier is better to access the largest awards available.
    Important Deadline: March 1

Step 4: Secure Your Spot & Apply For Housing

  • Submit your enrollment deposit by this priority housing deadline.
    Important Deadline: May 1

Understanding the Financial Aid Process

Financial aid at UMaine comes from two primary sources: the university and the federal government. Both use the FAFSA form to determine eligibility.

Students should complete the FAFSA while applying to colleges. The form must be submitted by March 1 to be considered for the maximum amount of aid from UMaine.

A student’s FAFSA is shared with all colleges listed on their form (include UMaine’s code: 002053). UMaine uses it to determine institutional aid (like scholarships and grants), while the federal government uses it to offer aid, including low-interest loans, grants, and work-study.

Once admitted (and if the FAFSA was submitted by March 1), students will receive their full financial aid package in the spring. This package outlines all federal and institutional aid offered, and students can choose which awards to accept based on their needs, any outside scholarships they may have received, or funds they or their family have saved for college.

Financial Aid Terms In a Nutshell

The money in-state students earn toward UMaine tuition from their high school transcripts, renewable for four years of education until graduation.

The money out-of-state students earn toward UMaine tuition from their high school transcripts, renewable for four years of education until graduation.

This refers to the early application date of December 1. Apply by then to be eligible for the maximum amounts of financial aid.

The scholarships your student applies for on ScholarshipUniverse once enrolling at UMaine and receiving a maine.edu email account. Many of our academic programs have their own scholarships for new and returning students, and many donor-funded scholarships are also available to first-time students.

The money you earn toward your UMaine tuition from outside sources (i.e. Rotary and community programs, corporate scholarships, etc), sometimes renewable and sometimes for just one year of tuition.

The grants UMaine offers you based on your family’s income and need, based on the FAFSA.

The financial support the federal government offers, often through federal work-study programs (on-campus, part-time jobs), student loans, and grants (Pell, TEACH, etc). Federal aid amounts change yearly based on a student’s current FAFSA filing.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that students complete each year to determine how much federal financial aid they may qualify for. The information provided helps the U.S. Department of Education determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs.

  • Read UMaine Money Matters

    This guide for students and families includes information on the UMaine student bill, costs at UMaine, and types of financial aid available.

    Explore Money Matters

  • Have an open conversation about budget and expectations

    Talk with your student about what you can realistically contribute toward college costs, and what they may need to cover through scholarships, part-time work, or loans. Then, explore options together.

  • If you haven’t started saving, start now

    It’s never too late to get started. Consider a 529 college savings plan or speak with a local credit union or bank about ways to begin setting aside funds.

  • Start the scholarship search early

    Students who apply to UMaine before December 1 are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on GPA. Many local and national organizations also offer scholarships, so encourage your student to connect with their high school guidance counselor to learn more.

  • Follow up after acceptance

    Once your student receives their financial aid package, they can connect with the UMaine financial aid office to ask questions or explore additional financing options.

  • Get ready to complete the FAFSA

    Gather the necessary documents and submit the FAFSA as early as possible. UMaine’s priority deadline is March 1. Be sure to list UMaine as a preferred school so the information is shared with our financial aid team for institutional aid consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

We find parents and their kids are most successful when they can have an open conversation about the college search process and set expectations with each other. Students should lead the process, but parents have sage wisdom to contribute. Here are a few thoughts to guide a conversation:

  • College decisions can easily overtake the celebration and pride of concluding high school. Brainstorm ways to allow the two milestones to coexist.
  • Talk openly about finances before you begin looking at colleges, so you’re aligned on what’s possible and where concessions may need to be made.
  • Ask your student how involved they’d like you to be, whether that means joining campus visits, offering input on majors, or reaching out to admissions or financial aid offices together.

Every student’s cost to attend UMaine is different due to numerous individual factors:

  • Family financial information submitted through the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for federal and institutional aid
  • In-state or out-of-state residency status
  • High school GPA, which affects merit scholarship eligibility
  • Full-time or part-time enrollment
  • Housing and meal plan choices
  • Program-specific fees, including laboratory or course materials for certain majors

After your student has been accepted to UMaine and submitted their FAFSA, UMaine Financial Aid will issue an award letter detailing the financial aid your child is eligible to receive. This will include federal and UMaine-specific awards, but will not include private/external scholarships, which will lower your cost beyond what is reflected on the letter.

We understand how much parents want to help, but students must take the lead in their college journey. Admissions counselors are here to support them directly, and engaging in conversations about applications, deadlines, and financial aid helps students build the confidence and independence they’ll need to thrive during their college experience. We always welcome parents to be part of the process, if students choose to share information or invite them to join a meeting.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Maine is the third-safest state for violent crime. Our campus rides on the coattails of that statistic in that, for a community of 15,000 students, faculty and staff, we have a remarkably low crime rate thanks to the 25 men and women who make up the UMaine Police Department.

Absolutely! Family and Friends Weekend is hosted every fall with a weekend full of activities and the best of New England in the fall. Thousands of parents join us on campus to reconnect with their Black Bear and experience life at UMaine firsthand.

Parents are always welcome to visit informally beyond that weekend. The surrounding area offers plenty of places to stay, great restaurants to enjoy with your student, and lots to explore.

The University of Maine is a top-tier Carnegie R1 research university and the #1 national university in the state. With more than 110,000 alumni worldwide, 93% are employed, pursuing further education, or serving their country. In Maine alone, alumni have launched over 10,000 businesses, and 72% of in-state graduates stay to build their careers.

UMaine alumni have written bestsellers, served in Congress, played in major leagues, and earned prestigious honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize, Pulitzer, Oscar, and Tony. They lead in every field—and we’re proud of their impact.

A photo of a family attending Family & Friends Weekend

Undergraduate Admissions

115 Estabrooke Hall, Orono, ME, 04469

Tel: 207.581.1561

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Fax: 207.581.1213

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Email: umaineadmissions@maine.edu

Undergraduate Admissions

115 Estabrooke Hall, Orono, ME, 04469

Tel: 207.581.1561

|

Fax: 207.581.1213

|

Email: umaineadmissions@maine.edu

Orono, Maine
207.581.1865

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