Enhancing Affordability
We invest in our students by pricing tuition competitively against other private New England universities and offering substantial assistance. Our generous scholarships significantly enhance the affordability of our degrees. Here, you will find an introduction to the scholarships, grants, loans and other resources available to help finance your education.
UNE’s Tuition-Free Program
Starting in fall 2025, the University is pleased to offer a tuition-free program to eligible graduating high school students from all states whose high school GPA is 3.85 or greater. Qualifying students must be enrolled full-time at UNE, demonstrate high financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during each year of their undergraduate degree program, and live on campus for all four years.
FAQ
General Information
UNE’s Tuition-Free Program (TFP) provides eligible students accepted for fall 2025 into an undergraduate program of study with the opportunity to attend the University tuition free.
The TFP covers tuition for full-time enrollment in an undergraduate program for eligible students. Additional educational related costs include, but are not limited to, required fees, residence hall, and dining charges.
The TFP is available for all eligible students accepted into any undergraduate program of study for fall 2025. If eligible students are accepted into accelerated programs (for example, a 3+2 program), the TFP applies only to the undergraduate portion of their program.
Eligible students who meet the requirements of the TFP program can attend UNE tuition free for up to four years of undergraduate study. Students who extend their enrollment beyond four years will no longer qualify for the TFP.
The TFP is available for both in-state and out-of-state students who meet the eligibility requirements.
The TFP reflects a strong commitment to student success and the economic development of Maine and New England. By removing financial barriers, UNE aims to attract high-achieving students, address workforce shortages, and prepare graduates for careers in health care, biosciences, life sciences, and other growing industries.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
- Accepted into an undergraduate program of study for fall 2025 of the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Have a cumulative, unweighted high school GPA of 3.85 or higher.
- First-time, first-year students only, attending college immediately or shortly after graduating from high school.
- Attend the University on a full-time basis. This is defined as a minimum of 12 credits per semester.
- Live on campus.
- Must file a FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year, demonstrate an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of less than $100,000 for the 2023 tax year, and have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 0.
- Must accept all Federal and State Grant Aid included in the financial aid package.
- Must be classified as a dependent for financial aid purposes. Independent students should reach out to Student Financial Services for details about eligibility.
To determine student dependency status and which parent to list as a contributor on the FAFSA, please visit https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/help.
Transfer and international students do not qualify.
To review basic financial aid eligibility, please visit https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements.
The selection process for the Honors College is distinct from the TFP. If you are eligible for the Honors College, you will be contacted about this separately. If you are interested in learning more about the Honors College, please visit https://www.une.edu/honors-college.
Provided they meet the criteria, gap year students who would enter UNE as first-time, first-year students are eligible for the TFP.
Application Process
There is no application or request process. To be considered for the TFP, students must be accepted to UNE for fall 2025 and have a valid 2025-2026 FAFSA on file. Use of the Direct Data Exchange on the FAFSA is required. Upon receipt, UNE Student Financial Services will automatically review the FAFSA to determine eligibility. If a student meets all TFP criteria, their financial aid package will indicate eligibility.
To learn more about the financial aid application process at UNE, please visit https://www.une.edu/sfs/undergraduate/applying-aid.
No. If you meet all conditions for the program, you will automatically be eligible for the program regardless of when you apply to UNE, so long as you are admitted for the fall 2025 semester.
Notification and Communications
If a student meets all TFP criteria, their financial aid offer package will indicate eligibility for the program. Student Financial Services will begin sending electronic financial aid offer letters in January 2025. To be considered for the TFP and all financial aid opportunities, students must submit a 2025-2026 FAFSA.
Future Years and Renewal Conditions
Yes. Students who continue to meet conditions of the Tuition-Free Program will remain eligible to attend UNE tuition-free for up to four years of undergraduate study.
The TFP will cover the full cost of tuition, including any tuition increases during your eligibility time at UNE.
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 for continued eligibility. If a student’s GPA falls below this threshold, they will not be eligible for the TFP.
Students must maintain full-time enrollment in an undergraduate program of study to maintain eligibility for the TFP. If a student drops below full-time enrollment, they will no longer qualify for the TFP, and their financial aid eligibility will be reassessed in accordance with university policy.
If a student withdraws or takes a leave of absence, they will no longer be eligible for the TFP.
The Tuition-Free Program covers only the published full tuition and does not include any additional costs associated with course overloads.
Other Considerations
If a student is eligible for federal or state funding, it will be included as part of the financial aid package. Students eligible for the TFP will be offered financial aid funding to cover the full cost of tuition. In most instances, receipt of outside scholarships will not impact eligibility for TFP, however all outside scholarships must be reported to Student Financial Services.
If a student fails a course, their cumulative GPA must be 3.5 or above to maintain eligibility for the TFP. If a student extends enrollment beyond four years, they will no longer be eligible for the TFP.
The TFP will cover tuition for UNE’s study abroad program in Tangier, Morocco. The TFP does not cover the cost of tuition for other study abroad programs or travel courses.
The TFP is only available for full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters and does not cover summer enrollment.
The TFP does not affect eligibility for student loans or Federal Work Study. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to be eligible for federal direct loans and federal work study.
Each semester, students will see a tuition charge on their account along with credit transactions covering the full tuition amount.
To learn more about the UNE Tuition-Free Program contact Student Financial Services or Undergraduate Admissions.
Grants and Scholarships
We offer a broad range of grants and scholarships based on your achievement and/or financial need. Some are funded by UNE, while others are funded by outside sources. No matter the source, grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid. Students must be enrolled full time in order to receive any UNE-funded scholarships or grants.
Merit Scholarships
We offer a number of Merit Scholarships based on a student’s academic success. The Admissions Office will craft your Merit Award once you are accepted as a UNE student.
Institutional Grants
The Nor’Easter Scholarship, Legacy Grant, Sibling Grant and NSF Success Scholarship are examples of funds available directly from UNE.
Endowed and Annual Fund Scholarships
Other gift aid available to you comes from generous individual benefactors. The award criteria are determined by each benefactor, but most require academic achievement and financial need.
Other Grants
The Department of Education and your state of residence may offer other grant opportunities depending upon your financial need and other criteria.
Loans
A variety of loan options exist to help you and your family meet your educational needs. Both federal and private loans are available to you.
Federal Work-Study Program
These funds are awarded to students who meet certain eligibility requirements. The program allows UNE students the opportunity to work part-time on campus.
Veteran Education Benefits
UNE serves veterans, service members, and their families, who are accessing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits.
Additional Financing resources
Additional options that may be available to students and families depending on their situation.