Widespread Support Seen for New Maine Free College Scholarship Proposal

AUGUSTA, ME - Across Maine's varied industries and communities, a steady stream of support is emerging for making the Maine Free Community College Scholarship (MFC) a permanent program.

"I can say without a doubt that the MFC program has made a tremendous difference in the lives of many Maine students graduating from high school," Stan Pelletier, a school counselor of 25 years told Maine legislators in a letter supporting the scholarship. "I have, on repeated occasions, had a conversation with a student that goes something like this: 'I never thought I could go to college. Where do I sign up?'"

The $10 million proposal to make Maine's community colleges tuition-free for recent high school graduates in Maine is part of Governor Janet Mills' supplemental budget currently being debated in the State House.

Dozens of letters of support were sent by a broad coalition that includes business leaders; higher education allies including Educate Maine, FAME, and the Maine School Management Association; economic policy advocates including the Maine Center for Economic Policy; student-facing advisors and faculty at community colleges; parents, grandparents, and - of course - community college students themselves.

"When I found out about this program, college stopped being just a dream and became a real possibility," wrote student Anna Rose Ross. "This program didn't just help me pay for tuition - it gave me stability, purpose, and a future. Because of this opportunity, I am not only building a better future for myself, but also honoring my mom's sacrifices and creating something brighter for both of us."

One York County high school counselor described using "an entire box of tissues" one recent day in her office because students realized "in real time, that their plans for life after high school were no longer financially possible."

"This reality stands in stark contrast to what I witnessed when the Maine Free College Scholarship was in place," Marshwood High School counselor Kyle Lontine wrote in a letter to Maine lawmakers. "I urge you, as you make critical appropriations decisions, to fully fund and reinstate the Maine Free College Scholarship. Because no student should have to sit across from a counselor and grieve a future they worked hard to build, and no state can afford to push away the very people it is depending on to build its future."

Business owners and advocates describe the scholarship as an economic investment that will strengthen local economies for generations to come.

"Local employers across healthcare, manufacturing, trades, education, hospitality, and public service depend on (Northern Maine Community College) graduates to fill critical workforce needs. Without accessible and affordable pathways to education, many of these students would not have the opportunity to enroll, complete their credentials, or remain in Aroostook County," wrote LaNiece Sirois, executive director of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. "The (chamber) strongly supports the approval and continued funding of Maine Free College. Investing in our students is an investment in our workforce, our businesses, and the long-term vitality of our region."

Critical Insights polling in fall 2025 found that Maine voters strongly support the scholarship: 80% of all Maine voters support continuing the scholarship, and the support is stronger this year than in the past.

Education allies noted the scholarship promotes progress in multiple education initiatives in the state from PreK-12 to Maine's public universities: improving Maine's high school graduation rates; increasing transfer rates to the University of Maine System; and increasing the state's goal of 60% of Mainers holding a degree or credential of value.

"The past investment in this program led to increased enrollment for young men, similar retention rates compared to other programs, and strong outcomes for transfer students," Educate Maine Executive Director Jason Judd wrote.

The Maine School Management Association's Robbie Feinberg wrote: "Giving more students access to education after high school will encourage more to finish high school - and help more students stay in Maine."

Deborah Cormier of Sanford said one of her two grandsons with the scholarship is now transferring to the University of Southern Maine engineering program as a Presidential honors student: "I hope this free community college program can continue, and keep helping to send well educated individuals into our Maine society. Thank you!"

The current scholarship proposal is a lower-cost version of the Maine Free College scholarship already approved for the graduating classes of 2020 through 2025. A proposal to continue the scholarship failed to win legislative support last session. By limiting scholarship access to students who have lived in Maine for at least a year, shortening the amount of time students have access to the scholarship, and limiting scholarship dollars to tuition only, the new proposal will cost $10 million a year, instead of $12.5 million a year.

Lawmakers will decide budget priorities and send their budget to the governor by April 15.

Broad-based Support for Governor Mills' Proposal to Make Maine Free College Scholarship Permanent

Educators, students, business leaders, workforce advocates, and Maine families across the state are urging passage of the current proposal to make the Maine Free College Scholarship permanent for the high school graduating class of 2026 and beyond.

Here's what they're saying:

Broadcasters: This video features students at Eastern Maine Community College talking about the Maine Free College Scholarship. Please credit Eastern Maine Community College.

Educators:

"Allowing this program to lapse for the Class of 2026 has created an immediate and visible impact. I am seeing it firsthand in my office, in the form of students reconsidering their futures, delaying their plans, or abandoning them altogether. This is not a theoretical policy discussion. It is a present and personal reality for the students I serve. Choosing not to sustain (the scholarship) places us in the position of having proven what works, and then walking away from it." - Kyle Lontine, M.S., Marshwood High School counselor.

"This program is not a hand out, it is a thoughtful investment in the future of our economy and the quality of life of Maine citizens and families to come." - Stan Pelletier, a school counselor of 25 years.

"This scholarship has been instrumental in providing access to higher education for many students who otherwise would not have had the opportunity. By making this scholarship permanent, we are ensuring that future generations of Mainers will have the chance to pursue their educational and career goals without the burden of overwhelming debt." - Michelle McNeil-Brown, Business and Accounting Chairperson, York County Community College.

Business Leaders:

"The (chamber) strongly supports the approval and continued funding of Maine Free College. Investing in our students is an investment in our workforce, our businesses, and the long-term vitality of our region." - LaNiece Sirois, executive director of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce.

"At a time when Maine desperately needs more workers, more young families, and more long-term residents, removing free community college would move us backward. Keeping it moves us forward. It strengthens our workforce. It supports our businesses. It keeps young people here. It gives Maine a fighting chance against the demographic challenges we all acknowledge." - Jean Ginn Marvin, Nonantum Resort Innkeeper and MCCS Trustee.

Students and families:

"When I found out about this program, college stopped being just a dream and became a real possibility. This program didn't just help me pay for tuition - it gave me stability, purpose, and a future. Without it, I don't know how I would afford school, and honestly, I don't think I would have believed college was an option at all." - York County Community College student Anna Rose Ross.

"If Free College had not been an option for me, I do not believe I would have attended college at all. The cost of tuition would have been a barrier that I could not overcome. Rather than worrying about how I would pay for school or how many hours I needed to work, I have been able to dedicate my time and energy to my studies. That has made a real difference in my success and in my confidence. Free College has provided me with the first steps toward gaining an education that I once believed was out of reach." - Washington County Community College automotive student Amelia Drake.