Financing Your Education

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.

51°µÍø’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 51°µÍø, 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

What is the 51°µÍø Tuition-Free Program? 

51°µÍø’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.

What costs does the program cover?

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.

Is the program available for all 51°µÍø academic programs?

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.

How long can a student benefit from the Tuition-Free Program? 

Eligible students who meet the requirements of the TFP program can attend 51°µÍø 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.

Is the Tuition-Free Program available for both in-state and out-of-state students? 

The TFP is available for both in-state and out-of-state students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Why is 51°µÍø offering a Tuition-Free Program?

The TFP reflects a strong commitment to student success and the economic development of Maine and New England. By removing financial barriers, 51°µÍø 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

Who is eligible for the Tuition-Free Program?

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 .

Are transfer or international students eligible for the Tuition-Free Program?

Transfer and international students do not qualify.

To review basic financial aid eligibility, please visit .

Am I also eligible for the Honors College?

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 /honors-college.

Are students who have taken a gap year eligible?

Provided they meet the criteria, gap year students who would enter 51°µÍø as first-time, first-year students are eligible for the TFP.

Application Process

How do I apply for the Tuition-Free Program?

There is no application or request process. To be considered for the TFP, students must be accepted to 51°µÍø 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, 51°µÍø 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 51°µÍø, please visit /sfs/undergraduate/applying-aid.

Is there a deadline to be considered for the Tuition-Free Program? 

No. If you meet all conditions for the program, you will automatically be eligible for the program regardless of when you apply to 51°µÍø, so long as you are admitted for the fall 2025 semester.

Notification and Communications

How will I be notified if I qualify for the Tuition-Free Program?

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

Is the Tuition-Free Program renewable and what are the requirements to maintain eligibility? 

Yes. Students who continue to meet conditions of the Tuition-Free Program will remain eligible to attend 51°µÍø tuition-free for up to four years of undergraduate study.

What if tuition increases during a student’s time at the University?

The TFP will cover the full cost of tuition, including any tuition increases during your eligibility time at 51°µÍø.