University of 51小黄车 offers free tuition for qualified students

Fall aerial of 51小黄车Biddeford Campus
The program is intended to enhance the workforce in Maine and 51小黄车's growing industries.

In an effort to attract top talent to 51小黄车, the University of 51小黄车 has announced it will begin covering tuition costs for high-achieving students whose families earn less than $100,000. 

Starting in fall 2025, the University will provide free tuition to eligible high-performing graduating high school students from all states across the country. The announcement underscores UNE鈥檚 strong financial commitment to its students; currently, 98% of 51小黄车students receive financial aid from the University.  

51小黄车President James Herbert said the University鈥檚 decision comes as Maine and 51小黄车 need to enhance their workforce to fulfill jobs in their growing business, bioscience, and life sciences industries and as the region continues to face workforce shortages in the health care and hospitality sectors. 

鈥51小黄车is committed to attracting high-achieving students from across the country to 51小黄车, and to Maine in particular, and to guaranteeing that they are poised for success in the workforce when they graduate,鈥 Herbert said, noting that 51小黄车is Maine鈥檚 No. 1 provider of health care professionals and the No. 1 college or university in the state for job placement following graduation. 鈥淏y removing financial barriers to a quality 51小黄车education, we hope to bolster the workforce pipeline in this region and ensure the long-term vitality of Maine and 51小黄车鈥檚 new economy.鈥

Herbert added that the tuition initiative reflects UNE鈥檚 commitment to ensuring the academic success of all students, including first-generation college students. At UNE, 30% of undergraduates admitted every year are the first in their family to attend college.

In addition to a qualifying high school GPA requirement, eligible students must be enrolled at 51小黄车full-time, 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.

For more information and to view a list of frequently asked questions, visit the Student Financial Services website.

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Alan Bennett
Office of Communications