Maine adults who want to return to college may qualify for as much as $4,000 per year in scholarships for up to four years through the University of Maine System’s Adult Degree Completion Scholarship Fund.
The system’s fund aims to help Maine people complete their academic studies, which they may have started years ago but, for some reason, never completed.
The scholarships are for adult students returning to a system university after an absence of three years or more, and who are completing their very first baccalaureate degree. Courses may be taken at any of the UMS campuses and UC Centers, including University College at Houlton, a partner of the Houlton Higher Education Center.
The next opportunity for students to apply for the scholarships is Dec. 1. Applicants must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for the scholarship:
• Must be a matriculated student at a UMS institution seeking a first baccalaureate degree.
• Must be a resident of the state of Maine.
• Must be an undergraduate reentry student who has experienced a gap (three years or more) in the pursuit of postsecondary education.
• Must demonstrate financial need as determined by a completed FAFSA and/or statement outlining ability to pay/financial resources available for education.
• Must be registered at least part time: 6.5 credits per semester (Fall and Spring) or 9.5 credits total for the two semesters.
The online application for the Adult Degree Completion Scholarship can be found at: learn.maine.edu. For assistance with the scholarship application and for more information, contact Jean Henderson, Student Services Coordinator at 521-3100 or by email at jean.henderson@maine.edu.
