🎓 University of Maine Scholarships & Merit Aid (2025–2026)
← Back to the College Scholarships Hub • See Maine state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive merit scholarships
- Flagship Match and regional tuition programs
- Honors College and special academic opportunities
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~91% (Fall 2024)
- Middle 50% GPA: 3.3–3.9
- Middle 50% SAT: 1060–1270
- Middle 50% ACT: 22–28
Source: University of Maine Common Data Set 2024–25 and Office of Admissions.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
University of Maine at a Glance
Last verified: October 9, 2025
The University of Maine (UMaine) is the state’s flagship public research university and one of the best tuition deals in New England for out-of-state students. Thanks to the Flagship Match Program, many nonresident students pay about the same tuition as their home state’s public university — sometimes even less.
Combined with automatic merit awards and New England regional tuition discounts, UMaine offers strong affordability for both in-state and neighboring families. Its Honors College, engineering, forestry, and marine science programs add academic depth to one of the Northeast’s most affordable R1 universities.
FAQ
What is the Flagship Match Program? It allows out-of-state students to pay the same in-state tuition rate as their home state’s flagship public university if admitted to UMaine.
Does UMaine offer automatic scholarships? Yes — all admitted students are automatically considered for merit awards based on GPA and test scores.
What’s the average net price? Around $16,183 per year after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard 2025).
Can students stack scholarships? Yes — merit scholarships can often be combined with Flagship Match or NEBHE Tuition Break discounts for maximum savings.
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-maine/admissions
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-maine/tuition-and-costs
https://honors.umaine.edu/
https://nebhe.org/tuitionbreak/find-a-program/maine/
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/183207-flagship-match-scholarship-university-of-maine
https://catalog.umaine.edu/content.php?catoid=87&navoid=3640
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Maine (2025–2026)
Before diving into scholarships, it helps to know what a typical year actually costs. These figures reflect the standard tuition, fees, housing, and meals for a first-year, full-time student. Keep in mind—this is the sticker price, not the real price most families pay after financial aid or merit awards.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $12,720 | $36,870 |
| Housing & Meals | $13,814 | $13,814 |
| Estimated Annual Total (before aid) | $26,534 | $50,684 |
Note: Books, supplies, travel, and personal expenses (typically $2,500–$3,000/year) are not included above because they vary by student. These totals reflect tuition, fees, housing, and meals only. Latest published figures available from College Board (2024–25) are shown until UMaine posts 2025–26 updates.
Based on federal data summarized by College Board, the average student at UMaine pays about $18,237 per year after scholarships and grants. That’s the number most families focus on—it reflects what students actually pay after aid is applied.
🌎 Out-of-State Tuition Savings at UMaine
🎓 Flagship Match Program: For residents of participating states, UMaine adjusts tuition to match your home state’s flagship in-state rate. Eligibility and rates vary—check UMaine Admissions for the current state list and details.
💡 NEBHE Tuition Break: UMaine also participates in the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break. Students from other New England states in approved majors receive a reduced regional tuition—typically well below the standard out-of-state rate. For specifics and eligible majors, see our NEBHE Guide.
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-maine/tuition-and-costs
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-maine/admissions
https://nebhe.org/tuitionbreak/find-a-program/maine/
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/183207-flagship-match-scholarship-university-of-maine
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
These scholarships are automatically considered for every applicant to UMaine—no separate forms needed. Higher GPAs and stronger (optional) test scores earn bigger awards. Out-of-state, in-state, and international awards are all included below, covering nearly every applicant type.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship Scholarship | $5,000–$20,000/year | GPA 3.0+; test scores optional, can increase award | No | Yes (GPA 3.0+, full-time) | Most get $8–$12K; top stats reach $15–$20K; out-of-state priority | Dec 1 (early action); March 1 (final) |
| International Presidential | $5,000–$20,000/year | International first-year or transfer; GPA above 3.2 (US scale); no SAT/ACT required | No | Yes (GPA 3.0+, up to 8 semesters; must remain on F-1/J-1 visa) | Top international academic records; all non-US citizens except Canadians | March 31 (priority) |
| Maine Scholarship Commitment | Varies ($1,000–$5,000/year+) | Maine residents; minimum 2.5 GPA; holistic review | No | Yes (must keep academic standing) | Most admitted ME students with good grades | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Online Flagship Award | $2,000–$5,000/year | First-year online students; OOS; based on GPA and rigor | No | Yes | OOS online admits who enroll full-time | Rolling |
*GPA/test bands are estimates based on recent profiles; thresholds and dollar amounts may shift by cycle or funding.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do we need to apply for these?
No—consideration is automatic with your undergraduate application.
Can my student improve the award?
Yes—higher GPAs and test scores (optional) can move them to a higher scholarship tier.
Are they stackable with other aid?
Most can be combined with other UMaine and outside scholarships—always verify “stacking” with financial aid.
Are awards for four years?
Yes, if the student maintains GPA and full-time status; international awards have extra visa/academic requirements.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These scholarships require a separate application, nomination, or have extra steps beyond GPA or test score. Competitive scholarships are substantial awards – they take additional effort and can be stacked with automatic merit in many cases.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| James and Maureen Palmer Scholarship | Up to $5,000/year | Maine residents; strong academics and demonstrated financial need (FAFSA required) |
Yes (general scholarship app) | Yes (annual re-application/FAFSA) | Need-based, not pure merit; well-rounded in-state students | Feb 1 (priority for general app) |
| Maine Top Scholar Award (MTS) | Full tuition & fees (annual value: $12,000+); includes research, Honors, and travel funding | Top high school seniors in Maine; GPA typically 3.9+; strong SAT/ACT encouraged; leadership, service, and research interest | Yes (nomination & invitation); Honors College participation required | Yes (maintain 3.3+ GPA, research/engagement, full-time) | Select ME residents – top academics, extracurriculars, and essay/recs | Jan 15 (nomination/app deadline) |
*GPA/test ranges and requirements are estimates based on past years and UMaine’s 2025-26 published information; requirements may shift by cycle.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Is the Palmer Scholarship merit or need-based?
Palmer is primarily a need-based award for strong Maine students; FAFSA is required and academics matter too.
When should we apply for competitive scholarships?
Apply as soon as general and Honors/Top Scholar applications open; most close by Jan–Feb for the following fall.
Can a student win both automatic and competitive scholarships?
Yes — Maine Top Scholar and Palmer can both be stacked with automatic merit, up to cost of attendance.
🎓 Honors College at the University of Maine
UMaine’s Honors College is a small, close-knit academic community for ambitious students who want more than just smaller classes. Honors students get priority registration, dedicated housing, personal faculty mentoring, and extra research, travel, and project funding—and graduate with Honors distinction on their transcript and diploma.
- Seminar-style classes with top faculty
- Priority registration and Honors housing
- Honors-only research, thesis, and travel funding
- Conference/study abroad grants
- Graduation “with Honors” (Gold regalia & transcript stamp)
| Scholarship / Perk | Award / Value | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors College Admission | Smaller classes, priority registration, Honors housing | GPA 3.7–4.0 typical; holistic review (strong writing/leadership, 28–33 ACT or 1300–1450 SAT if submitted) | No (auto with admission app; optional essay encouraged) | Yes (as long as GPA & engagement requirements are met) | About top 10% of entering class | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Honors Research/Project Funding | $250–$1,000 per student per project (multiple awards possible up to $500 total/year) | Honors student with GPA ≥3.30; engaged in research or Honors thesis | Yes—short application per project | Once per project; some can reapply | Active researchers with a plan and faculty approval | Rolling/Spring deadlines |
| Bill & Betsy Leitch Conference/Study Abroad Grant | Up to $500 per award | Honors students with GPA ≥3.30; presenting research at conference or studying abroad | Yes—short application, essay | Annual (if presenting/abroad) | Most Honors upperclassmen who apply, especially for thesis or study abroad | Varies—rolling, but spring preferred |
| INBRE Honors Summer Research Fellowships | Full summer support: stipend + housing/supplies; ≈10 weeks | Honors STEM majors (sophomore–junior); faculty mentor | Yes—research project proposal | One summer | Competitive; best-prepared Honors STEM undergrads | Spring (apply late Jan–early Mar) |
Honors College FAQs (Uncollapsed)
Is Honors worth it? For motivated students seeking close faculty mentoring, research experience, and a supportive cohort—absolutely.
Are there extra scholarships? While Honors admission doesn’t guarantee extra automatic merit, Honors students are prioritized for campus and research awards, and often receive extra funding for study abroad and thesis projects.
Do you have to reapply? No. As long as GPA and participation are sustained, you stay active in the program through graduation.
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Maine isn’t just the state’s flagship — it’s a place where certain programs shine so brightly that they attract students from across the country (and even internationally). If your student’s strengths or career goals line up with these areas, they could find not only a great education here, but also extra opportunities for scholarships, research, and connections in the field.
- Marine Sciences & Oceanography — Maine’s coastal location makes it a powerhouse for hands-on marine research, with access to ocean research vessels, coastal labs, and environmental initiatives.
- Engineering & Advanced Materials — Known for its world-class engineering school and innovative composites research, UMaine is home to the Advanced Structures and Composites Center, where students work on real-world projects like wind turbine blades and 3D-printed bridges.
- Forestry & Environmental Science — With Maine’s vast natural resources, this program blends fieldwork with environmental policy and sustainability research.
- Wildlife Biology — A nationally respected program that offers direct access to Maine’s diverse ecosystems for wildlife research, conservation, and field studies.
If your student is excited by the idea of studying where the ocean meets the forest — and where research happens both in the lab and in the field — UMaine’s specialties could be a perfect match.