Visit the Maine Community College System page for system-wide information and FAQs.
Free College
Free College for Maine’s High School Graduates
Did you graduate from high school in 2020, 2021, 2022, or plan to graduate in 2023? Then you may qualify for Free College at EMCC!
If you have already applied – great! No need to reapply, admissions will tag your application if you qualify. Email admissions@emcc.edu if you have any questions about an existing application.
Join us for a Free College Info Night! RSVP here
Thursday, March 16, 5:30-6:30 Registration is open NOW!!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/3046056085
Meeting ID: 304 605 6085
Passcode: FREE
We will be having more Info Nights on the following dates:
Thursday, March 16 at 5:30-6:30
Wednesday, April 12 at 5:30-6:30
Thursday, May 11 at 5:30-6:30
If you have not filled out an application yet:
Other qualifications:
- Live in Maine at the time of enrollment and while enrolled in the program.
- Enroll full-time, earning 30 credits per year (includes courses in Summer and Winter Terms).
- Must pursue an associate degree or academic credential (ex: certificate).
- Apply for the FAFSA and accept any grants and scholarships you are offered.
- Apply for admissions to EMCC! Our online application is free and is easy to fill out, apply today!
Other ways to get Free College
- Free Early College: any high school student can take up to 12 free college credits at any community college in Maine. Even if you exceed 12 credits, tuition is half-price. Talk to your guidance counselor or email hholyoke@emcc.edu to learn more!
- Free Short-term Workforce training: With Maine Quality Center funds, Maine Jobs & Recovery funds, and a mix of private investments, EMCC offers free short-term training programs to thousands of workers every year. Visit www.emcc.edu/workforce to learn more or email workforce@emcc.edu to get on our mailing list.
- Free College through State and Federal Grants: Community college is already free for many students, you just don’t know it! About half of all degree-seeking students at Maine Community Colleges receive enough grant aid to cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees. 74% get some form of grant aid, lowering the total cost of enrollment. The Pell Grant is one of the most common. To find out if you qualify for the Pell Grant, fill out your FAFSA.
- Existing Tuition Waiver policies:
- Adult Education students
- Service members or Veterans
- Students from Foster Care
- Native Americans from regional tribes
- Low-income parents via HOPE Program (DHHS – Higher opportunity Pathways to Employment) and PaS Program (TANF – Parents as scholars)
- Children or spouses of Maine public servants killed in the line of duty
- Senior Citizens
Nick
Fire Science Live-In student
As a Live-In student, you get to live and breathe Fire Science and EMS! One of the reasons I chose EMCC was because of this program. Not only do you go the school, but you get to get on the job experience as you go! I live at station 69 in Newport during the day you get to experience what the firehouse is like, with chores and everyday duties. I really recommend the program it has great experiences and you meet lifelong friends, and it helps prepare you for your future in the fire service.