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AUGUSTA — A new program at the University of Maine at Augusta, the Pine Tree State Pledge, will allow new students to transfer without paying out-of-pocket expenses.
Beginning with spring semester 2018, new in-state full-time and part-time transfer students who have earned at least 30 transferable credits, are new to the University of Maine System and meet other qualifications will not pay any out-of-pocket expenses for tuition and mandatory fees at the University of Maine at Augusta, the university said in a news release.
In academic year 2018-19, The Pine Tree State Pledge will also be available to qualified and eligible entering full-time first-year students. UMA is committed to providing affordable access to a university education, and help students manage the growing costs of a college education, the release said.
“The Pine Tree State Pledge has tremendous potential for Maine people and is consistent with UMA’s mission to transform the lives of students of every age,” said UMA President Rebecca Wyke. “With campuses at Augusta and Bangor, as well as eight University College Centers located across the state, and now with the Pine Tree State Pledge, another barrier to completing a degree has been lowered.”
The Pine Tree State Pledge seeks to remove the financial barrier to obtaining a college degree. Working adults with some college credits and no degree may find the Pine Tree State Pledge the perfect opportunity to re-enter higher education and complete their degree. Degree completion can pave the way for Maine’s workforce to seek promotions, consider career changes, or get higher salaries.
First-year students, and their families, can save on college costs by commuting from home to earn a degree. Additionally, UMA’s wrap-around student services ensure that every enrolled student has access to the support needed to succeed and overcome challenges.
UMA has removed the location barrier with a state-wide presence offering degrees in two campuses, eight University College Centers and online. Many of UMA’s degree programs are available entirely online. Others are available at a distance, utilizing online, video conference, and ITV learning options at centers & sites across the state. This allows UMA students to study full or part-time while balancing family or work commitments.
“Zero-tuition is only part of the equation,” said UMA Provost Joe Szakas, “at UMA we provide the single point of contact and wrap around support services to help students succeed.”
These services include academic and career advising, veterans’ services, and new student orientation and can be accessed in person at the Augusta and Bangor campuses, as well as University College Centers and online.
Students who take advantage of the pledge must also meet in-state residency requirements and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen to receive federal financial aid; must be deemed eligible to receive federal Pell grants as part of the financial aid package for the academic year; ust have met all entrance requirements and be regularly admitted to a bachelor’s degree program.
Students must also maintain minimum credit hour enrollment to remain qualified:
* First-Year Students – 30 credits per academic year for a total of four years in a row, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 at the end of each academic year.
* Transfer Students Full-Time – 30 credits per academic year for a total of three years in a row, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 at the end of each academic year.
* Transfer Students Part-Time – 15 credits per academic year for a total of six years in a row, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 at the end of each academic year.
For more information, contact UMA admissions at 1-877-862-1234 or visit uma.edu/pinetreestatepledge.
