• 5 Steps
• What Is Financial Aid?
• The Application Process
• Where Aid Comes From
• Types of Financial Aid
• Who Is Eligible?
• Cost of Education
• Family Resources
• How To Apply
• Do You Have Enough?
• How To Reduce Unmet Need
• Links

Who Is Eligible?

In order for a student to receive federal or state aid the applicant must meet the following criteria.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Applicant must be accepted to a higher education institution.
• Applicant must be enrolled at least half-time. (Some financial aid programs require full-time student status.)

The amount of need-based financial aid a student may be eligible for is based on the difference between costs to attend a particular school (College Budget) and the family contribution.

College Budget - Family Contribution = Financial Need

Financial aid calculators are available on the Finance Authority of Maine's website at www.famemaine.com/education/calculators.asp.