At a glance
Free if eligible- What it covers
- For 2026–27, the Maine State Grant maximum is $2,500 for full-time study and up to $1,250 for students below full-time but at least half-time. The college pays an eligible award to your student account.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Finance Authority of Maine ↗
- Income / financial rules
- The 2026–27 maximum FAFSA SAI is 10,000, subject to available funding and adjustment. The college assesses SAI and enrollment; this is not modeled as a household-income ceiling.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Finance Authority of Maine ↗
- Who to check first
- Be a Maine undergraduate student and enroll at least half-time in an initial undergraduate certificate, associate or bachelor’s program at an eligible institution.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Finance Authority of Maine ↗
- Application timing
- File FAFSA each year and ask FAME or your college for the current-year timing. No current-cycle universal ISO deadline has been established in this record; the source’s 2025 extension is historical.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Finance Authority of Maine ↗
Check your eligibility
Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.
How to apply
- 1File the appropriate annual FAFSA. For 2026–27, the FAFSA itself is the application; no additional grant form is required for automatic consideration.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Finance Authority of Maine ↗
- 2Review the college’s financial-aid offer and ask its aid office to verify SAI, enrollment and any exception. The college determines eligibility each year, so refile FAFSA for renewal.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Finance Authority of Maine ↗
What to watch for
Common questions
What is the main benefit?
For 2026–27, the Maine State Grant maximum is $2,500 for full-time study and up to $1,250 for students below full-time but at least half-time. The college pays an eligible award to your student account.
Is there an income limit?
The 2026–27 maximum FAFSA SAI is 10,000, subject to available funding and adjustment. The college assesses SAI and enrollment; this is not modeled as a household-income ceiling.
When should I apply?
File FAFSA each year and ask FAME or your college for the current-year timing. No current-cycle universal ISO deadline has been established in this record; the source’s 2025 extension is historical.
Sources & verification
Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.