Types of Financial Aid

All UMM financial aid awards are subject to federal, state, and institutional "over award" regulations, regardless of whether specific award criteria are related to "need" as defined by the federal government. No student may receive total funding that exceeds their "need" as it is defined in federal regulations.

UMM Presidential Scholarships

Awarded to first-time or transfer students attending UMM full-time. For first-time students, eligibility is based on achieving at least 1,000 on combined SAT scores, or 22 on ACT scores, or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. For transfer students or others who have not taken the SAT or ACT, eligibility is based on a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Scholarship amounts vary according to student status:

  • $1,000 for transfer students
  • $2,000 for first-time students who are Maine residents
  • $5,500 for first-time students paying out-of-state tuition
  • Not available to students paying tuition at the Canadian or NEBHE rates.

UMM Campus Housing Awards

$1,500 awarded to first-time, full-time students living in UMM's residence halls. Not available to students paying tuition at the Canadian or NEBHE rates. (Note: All first- and second-year students are required to live on campus, although older students may petition to have this requirement waived.)

UMM Travel Grants

$2,000 for transfer students who are residents of states other than Maine and pay out-of-state tuition.

Tuition advantages for Canadian and NEBHE students

Two groups of out-of-state students qualify for special tuition advantages to assist them in paying college expenses. Canadians and students from New England states who pursue selected academic programs as identified by the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) can save approximately $5,500 per year. (This amount can vary according to the number of credits in which the student enrolls.) Our Admissions Office can advise you of which programs qualify under the NEBHE program.

Federal and State Need Based Grants

Federal Pell Grants

Awarded to financially needy undergraduate students. Amount is determined by the EFC calculated using the FAFSA, the cost of attendance, and enrollment status. Maximum annual award for a full-time student in 2010-11 is $5,550.

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG)

Eligibility requirements similar to Pell Grants. Students must be full-time and meet specified academic criteria to be determined by UMM according to federal guidelines.

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants

Eligibility requirements similar to Pell Grants. Students must be full-time and meet specified academic criteria to be determined by UMM according to federal guidelines.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)

Awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional need, generally as companion awards to the Pell Grant. Amounts vary according to funding availability, student need, and enrollment status.

Maine State Grants

Awards for full-time and part-time students. Maximum award for a full-time student in 2010-11 is $1000. In order to be considered, a student must:

  • Be a Maine resident for at least one year prior to application;
  • Have graduated from an approved secondary school or received a GED;
  • Be enrolled in an eligible school for a first undergraduate degree;
  • Have financial need, as determined by the FAFSA; and
  • Meet general eligibility requirements for student financial assistance.

University Grants

Need-based grants awarded to full-time students on the basis of need as established by the FAFSA and availability of funding. Award amounts vary according to EFC.

Loan Programs

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Direct Loan)

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program replaces the Federal Family Educational Loan Program at the University of Maine at Machias beginning with the 2010-11 school year.   If you are or were a borrower of a Federal Stafford Loan or your parent borrowed a federal PLUS Loan, these loans were borrowed from a bank or credit union.  These loans will now be borrowed directly from the federal government through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program.  Although the funds are provided by the Federal Government, eligibility guidelines and borrowing limits are identical to those of the Federal Family Educational Loans (Stafford and PLUS).

The benefits of this change mean the following for student and parent borrowers:  Consistent access to loan funds directly from the U.S. Department of Education; competitive rates and repayment options available to all borrowers; a simplified application process and quick receipt of funds. 

After you file your 2010-2011 FAFSA, the UMM Financial Aid Office will review your eligibility.  Your financial aid award will be posted to your Mainestreet student center and will include an offer of a Federal Direct Stafford Loan.  You will be provided with instructions on accepting these funds in Mainestreet with additional guidance on completing your entrance counseling (if required) and Master Promissory Note (MPN).  You may complete these anytime at https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action  

Disbursement of funds will be made directly to your student account prior to the beginning of each semester but no earlier than 10 days prior to the start of the term.

Federal Perkins Loan

Federal Perkins Loans are made through a combination of Federal and University funds, 5% interest rate.  Repayment begins nine months after the student graduates or leaves school.  Funds are limited.

Private (Alternative) Loan Programs

Alternative loans are another option for students seeing to supplement the traditional forms of financial aid.  These loans should be the last option a family considers after trying to secure scholarships, grants and Direct Loans.

Native American Waivers and Scholarships

A two-part program funded by the University of Maine System (UMS) to encourage eligible, qualified Native Americans to pursue higher education in Maine.

First, tribal membership must be determined by the University of Maine System Coordinator of the North American Waiver and Scholarship Program; the student applies directly to the UMS for this step. Then the student must complete a UMM-specific Native American Program Agreement, to receive payment of all mandatory fees and tuition.

Second, the room and board scholarship pays for room and board charges (standard double occupancy) for students meeting the following eligibility requirements:

  • Apply for federal student aid using the FAFSA;
  • Be enrolled as a matriculated (admitted into a degree program) student;
  • Enroll for at least 12 credits each semester;
  • Reside in a campus residence hall; and
  • Show continuing satisfactory academic progress as defined by UMM and federal guidelines.

Outside scholarships

Outside scholarships are offered by organizations other than UMM. Students apply for them on their own initiative, and the organizations consider applications and make awards according to their own criteria. Students receiving any federal aid are required by law to report these awards to UMM where the awards will be incorporated into the award packages.