FAFSA Simplification

File the FAFSA

There is money available to help pay for school. Begin by filing the FAFSA.

Make a Plan

Making a plan for saving is the first step towards making education after high school a reality.

Start to Save

Saving now will put you in a better position to pay for education after high school later.

Pay for School

Paying for education after high school usually comes from a variety of sources.

Find a Scholarship

Use FAME’s online search to find Maine scholarships.

Your Financial Wellness

Learn more about managing your finances and improving your financial health.

Resources for Educators

FAME has resources to help you serve your students and their families.

Planning by Age

There are things you can do at every stage to prepare for higher education.

Planning Tips For …

FAME provides specific resources for New Mainers, Adult Students, Military Families and Veterans, and Employers.

Financial Wellness

Learn more about managing your finances and improving your financial health.

Resources for Educators

Resources for Educators to help serve students and families.

Ways to Save

There are many ways to save for college. Learn more about options that may work for you.

NextGen 529

A great way to help your child save for college. NextGen 529 is Maine’s section 529 plan which many Maine families use to save for college.

Tips to Help You Save

It can be hard to find money in your budget for college savings. These tips will help you find ways to save money.

Getting Financial Aid

There’s money available to help pay for college. Learn more about applying for financial aid and filing the FAFSA.

Free Community College is Here

If you’re a Maine student who earned (or will earn) a high school diploma or equivalent in 2020, 2021, 2022, or 2023, you can attend Maine community college tuition free, but you’ll need to file the FAFSA.

Scholarship Search

Scholarships provide free money to pay for college. Start your search for Maine scholarships here.

Resources, Videos, and Calculators

Use FAME’s Resources & Tools to help you afford higher education.

Thrive Maine and Grow Maine

A $120 million initiative to support Maine small businesses features two new programs administered by FAME: Thrive Maine and Grow Maine. Learn more.

For Business Owners

For nearly 40 years FAME has helped Maine people reach their business goals.

For Lenders

FAME helps Maine lenders and their customers get to "yes."

For Investors

FAME encourages investments in Maine businesses, both directly and through private venture capital funds.

Commercial Loan Insurance

FAME’s commercial loan insurance program helps lenders make business loans by reducing risk.

Direct Loan Programs

When traditional loans are not the solution, FAME’s business loans may be the answer.

Business Roadmap

Learn about key steps in the business planning and financing process.

Business Roadmap

Whether you’re starting a business or seeking financing for an existing one, learn about key steps in the business planning and financing process.

Financing Programs

When traditional loans aren’t an option for your business, FAME’s financing programs may be the answer.

Resources for Business Owners

A collection of resources to help you plan and build your business.

Commercial Loan Insurance for Lenders

FAME’s commercial loan insurance insures a portion of loans made through participating financial institutions.

OLA Log In

Quick access to the OLA log in page for existing OLA users.

FAME Business Webinars

Miss out on a webinar? Find recordings and resources for FAME Business Webinars here.

Fees and Rates

Quick link to FAME fees and rates for lender programs.

Maine New Markets Capital Investment Program

Provides tax credits to investors in community development entities that reinvest in businesses located in low-income Maine communities.

Maine Seed Capital Tax Credit Program

Encourages investments in small businesses by providing credits to outside passive investors.

Home > Affording Higher Education > Pay for School > Getting Financial Aid > Filing the FAFSA > FAFSA Simplification

FAFSA Simplification Is Coming!

The 2024-2025 FAFSA, being referred to as Better FAFSA by Federal Student Aid, is being completely revised and simplified. There will be fewer questions and it will be easier to complete. More security has been built into the redesigned process, specifically related to the creation and use of Federal Student Aid (FSA) IDs.

This page will be updated with more information soon–check back regularly for more detailed information about the changes coming with the 2024-2025 FAFSA and how the process will differ from previous years.