Financial Aid
We are committed to making our exceptional educational experience affordable.
Welcoming students of all income levels is at the heart of who we are.
Financial aid programs and services assist students and families with paying for college. At Maine College of Art & Design, 100% of our BFA degree students receive some type of financial assistance. Students here receive more than $17.6 million annually in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and job opportunities. The College provides over $8.2 million directly to support the aid programs available to students.
Our College requires only one application to apply for financial aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To apply, please visit FAFSA's website and use Maine College of Art & Design’s Federal School Code 011673. Prior to completing the FAFSA the student and one parent (if the student is considered dependent) will need to apply for their own FSA ID which is used to electronically sign legally binding documents. In order to create your own FSA ID please click here.
Contact
finaid@meca.edu
207.699.5074
If you are not applying for financial aid, you need to complete and return the FAFSA Waiver Form. The Financial Aid Office is committed to ensuring that all students looking to receive an exceptional education here are able to fulfill their mission. We are available to assist students and parents through the entire financial aid process. Please contact us at finaid@meca.edu, by phone at 207.699.5074, or by fax at 207.772.5069.
Financial Aid FAQ
What is the FAFSA deadline?
We encourage students to submit their FAFSA no later than March 1 of each year, but Maine College of Art & Design does not have an institutional FAFSA deadline. We follow the federal guidelines, which can be found here.
Should I still complete the FAFSA if I think my family makes too much money?
Yes. Even if your household income is too high for you to qualify for federal grants or work-study funds, the FAFSA is also used to determine federal student loan eligibility. There's no harm in applying, and on average, it only takes 15 minutes to fill out the FAFSA.
How do I start the FAFSA?
You will need to create an FSA ID and complete the online form here. Contributors (usually your parents) will also need to create an FSA ID to complete their portion.
What is your federal school code?
011673
What are some common FAFSA mistakes to avoid?
The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators has compiled a helpful list of tips and things to avoid here.
Aside from federal grants and loans, where can I find more money to pay for school?
We recommend you take some time to apply for as many scholarships as possible. We have students currently at the College who have secured thousands of dollars in scholarship money. The students with the most success often tell us the best sources are local scholarships. You should be thinking locally about your family members' employers, civic organizations such as local chapters of Rotary clubs, and religious organizations. Check at your local high school, town hall, library, and Chamber of Commerce for more scholarship opportunities.
I received a scholarship from the College. How does that work? Can it be applied to housing and food?
Institutional scholarships are applied directly to your student bill and can cover any fees charged to your account, including the cost of housing and food.
Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?
Yes. You must complete the FAFSA every year to qualify for federal financial aid.
How does part-time enrollment affect my MECA&D scholarship?
Scholarships are prorated for less than full-time enrollment and are dependent on maintaining good academic standing.
When can I submit my private or Parent Plus Loan application?
We recommend waiting to apply for additional loans until you receive a bill from the Student Accounts Office in June. This way, you can better estimate your financial needs. Plus Loan applications open June 1. When applying for a Plus Loan, make sure to apply for the amount you’ll need for the entire academic year. The Financial Aid Office is happy to assist you with determining this amount.
How do I permit my parents, spouse, or other significant individual to speak with MECA&D staff?
If you wish to provide us permission to speak with someone other than you, please complete the FERPA Permission form on MyMECA&D. The process for doing so is outlined on this graphic. If you're curious about the FERPA law, you can learn more here.
