HOULTON, Maine — For anyone who has ever thought about going to college for a new career, but wondered if they could afford it, the Houlton Higher Education Center can help.
An off-campus center of the University of Maine at Presque Isle and a center for the University of Maine at Augusta, the HHEC provides support and personal assistance to help those who enter into a new career.
The HHEC offers more than 100 degree programs and certificates, both online and at a local center. Students may qualify for financial assistance and HHEC collaborates with the Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC) to offer free Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) assistance every Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m.
“The 2019-2020 FAFSA became available on Oct. 1 and the earlier you file, the more funds you may be eligible to receive,” said Tracy Rockwell, director of the HHEC. “FAFSA processing takes approximately two weeks if filed online. Filing for financial aid well in advance of the beginning of the semester is recommended.”
A FAFSA must be completed each year. Students must be admitted to a degree program at your home campus Generally, students must enroll in a minimum of six credit hours.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid collects information used in determining the student’s eligibility for some needed funding from programs like: Federal Pell Grant; Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant; Federal Work-Study; Federal Educational Loans; State Grants; and University Grants.
Eligibility for financial aid is based on several factors including family income, assets, size of household, number in college and satisfactory academic progress.
“The Houlton Higher Education Center serves as an access location where people can take courses, pursue degrees, and receive all the support they need to earn a degree close to home and on schedules that fit into their family and work lives,” Rockwell said. “Courses are taught by faculty onsite, online, or two-way videoconferencing. Academic advising, tutoring, study skills workshops, computer access, library services and student activities are available to help support individual student success.”
HHEC is located at 18 Military Street. For more information visit https://www.uma.edu/locations/houlton/ or call 521-3100.
