April 16, 2026•1 min read•from Inside Higher Ed

After Uncertainty, Maine’s Free College Program Is Here to Stay

Maine Governor Janet Mills signs the supplemental budget that includes a provision for making the Maine Free College Scholarship permanent in Maine, surrounded by college and high school students at Eastern Maine Community College.

Sara Weissman Wed, 04/15/2026 - 03:00 AM

The fate of the state’s free community college program hung in the balance. But after fierce advocacy efforts from college leaders and students, Augusta is permanently funding it.

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Sara Weissman

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