Financial Aid Increased to Recognize Achievement, Need

The University of Maine will award an additional $2.5 million in student scholarships this fall, bringing the total amount of institutional financial aid for UMaine undergraduates in the coming academic year to more than $20 million.

“The university continues to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of students, yet recognizes that their families face growing financial needs,” says UMaine President Paul Ferguson. “This recent commitment to Maine families by the University of Maine continues the long legacy of providing access to a high-quality university education. Among flagship universities nationwide, the University of Maine is considered the highest overall performer in providing access and paths to success for low income and underrepresented students.”

This academic year, more than $17.6 million was awarded in merit scholarships and need-based grants to undergraduates. First-year students received more than $3.1 million in merit aid. More than half of this year’s merit aid — nearly $1.8 million — went to 638 Maine students.

Merit scholarships are renewable for up to four years.

At UMaine, incoming students — first-time undergraduates and transfer students — are automatically considered for scholarships upon admission. More than 84 percent of UMaine undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.