Congratulations on taking the steps to figure out how to pay for education after high school! Whether you’re headed to community college, a four-year university, trade school or specialized training, we’re here to help you level up your financial aid game. FAME is your partner in this—we’ll give you clear, straight answers and practical next steps.
Follow These Steps to Maximize Your Financial Aid
Step 1
Sign up for Texts and Emails from FAME
Join our text and email lists to get helpful resources and tips from FAME. Additionally, class of 2027 students and caregivers who sign up will be entered to win a $1,000 scholarship!
Step 2
Download Pay: Tips for Planning and Paying for Higher Education (2027-28 academic year)
Use this guide to navigate the FAFSA and financial aid process — everything from how to prepare, when to apply, and what types of aid exist, to reducing college costs and understanding financial aid offers.
Download the PDF or order a FREE copy on our Publications page.
Step 3
Get Ready to File the FAFSA
The 2027-28 FAFSA form will be available on October 1, 2026! Filing the FAFSA is the first step to accessing financial aid. The FAFSA is easier than ever—many people can do it in less than 30 minutes, especially if they get ready before they start!
- Download our Get Ready guide so you know what you need to have handy.
- Create your StudentAid.gov account, if you haven’t already. Download and print FAME’s StudentAid.gov Account Information sheet to keep track of your account information.
- Learn more about the FAFSA from FAME.
- File the 2027-28 FAFSA at StudentAid.gov after October 1, 2026.
- Looking to file the 2026-27 FAFSA for the 2026-27 academic year? It’s available now at StudentAid.gov.
Step 4
Research Available Scholarships
Scholarships can help make education beyond high school more affordable. FAME’s FREE Maine-based scholarship search is a great place to start.
Be sure to check out the Worthington Scholarship, worth up to $20,000, and the Mitchell Scholarship, worth $10,000 and so much more!
Bonus Tip! There are ways to save for your student’s education beyond high school – and it’s not too late to start!
Maine’s 529 Plan
Learn more about Maine’s 529 plan and how it can help you save for your student’s future. There are hundreds of dollars available in matching grants each year to help boost your savings.
$500 Alfond Grant
Students born in 2008 or later may have a $500 Alfond Grant waiting for them. As these students approach life after high school, now’s the time to check if your student has the grant, and learn how to use it to help pay for their higher education.
Need Help?
If you need additional help with your financial aid options, FAME is here for you. Choose the support option that works best for you.
I just have some quick questions.
Call us at 800-228-3734, option 4; or email us at Education@FAMEmaine.com.
I want to meet one-to-one with a FAME financial aid expert.
Get personalized, one-on-one support with FAME’s financial aid experts.
Book an appointment today.
