Visit the Maine Community College System page for system-wide information and FAQs.
Free College
Free College for Recent High School Graduates
Did you graduate from high school in 2020, 2021, 2022, or 2023 or will be graduating in 2024 or 2025? Then you may qualify for the Free College Scholarship 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.
If you have not filled out an application yet:
Qualifications for the Free College Scholarship:
- Live in Maine at the time of enrollment and while enrolled in the program.
- Complete your associate degree or certificate program within 2 years (we offer courses in Fall, Spring, Summer, and Winter Terms).
- Must pursue an associate degree or 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
Justin C.
Fire Science Alumni
“What I loved most about EMCC is the flexibility. The classes are tailored to your schedule, making it easier to balance between work, family, and school. EMCC changed my life because it’s helped me shape my independence and help me become more responsible.”