Remember to talk with your caseworker and transition worker about your plans to attend college.
The Tuition Waiver program is for youth who were in foster care when they graduated from high school or obtained their GED, who were adopted from foster care or entered permanent guardianship through DHHS and whose parent or guardian currently receives an adoption or permanent guardianship subsidy with DHHS.
There are 30 waivers available and these are competitive awards through the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). This means that the cost of the tuition for State of Mane System schools and the Maine Maritime Academy will be waived.
You must be a resident of Maine and must have been accepted into the school at the time of application.
“I hope to represent Maine’s youth in foster care by showing that Maine’s youth who are in care are able to go to college, to show that we can do anything that we want to in life as long as we believe in it.” Maria G, age 20
Tuition Waiver
If you are an incoming freshman, you apply for the tuition waiver by submitting:
□ An application from the Finance Authority of Maine, www.famemaine.com.
□ A letter from your caseworker indicating that you were in care at the time you graduated from high school or got your GED.
□ A letter from your college’s financial aid office where you plan to attend indicating that you have applied for federal financial aid (FAFSA form) or a copy of your FAFSA award letter.
□ A copy of your high school transcript or GED certificate.
□ A copy of your college admissions acceptance letter.
After you are a freshman year, you re-apply by submitting:
□ A re-application form to the Finance Authority of Maine.
□ A copy of a letter from the Registrar’s Office of the college you are attending indication that you are a student in good academic standing.
□ A letter from the college’s financial aid office indicating that you have applied for federal financial aid (FAFSA form) or a copy of your FAFSA award letter.
Whom do I call for an application?
Any questions that you have about applying for the tuition waiver should be directed to the Financial Authority of Maine at 1-800-228-3734.
Remember…
You can apply for the Tuition Waiver next year if you are attending an eligible college or university. Remember that applications are available on February 1st and the process is very competitive. Get your application in as early as possible.