UPDATED 8/29/2008

Affording MMA

THE DECISION to attend college requires both a personal and financial commitment. Maine Maritime believes that this important undertaking should not be constrained by financial considerations. The college strives to make a Maine Maritime Academy education affordable to all qualified applicants and enrolled students whenever possible.

More than seventy percent of our students currently receive need-based financial aid. Federal, State, and campus-based programs are available to help defray the cost of education. The typical length of matriculation for on-campus, residential students is 4 or 5 years for a B.S. degree, 2 years for an A.S. degree, and 1 year for a M.S. degree. Based on the colleges’ 1998-2004 Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) study, Maine Maritime Academy achieves a graduation rate for all first-time B.S. students of 69% within 6 years. For those students enrolled in the U.S. Coast Guard unlimited license program who graduated in 2005, an average passage rate of 100% was realized.

Based on the graduating class of 2006, the average student indebtedness was $26,508.

Any enrolled student who qualifies for aid will receive it to the extent that funds are available. The amount of the award is dependent upon financial need and, therefore, reflects the family's or individual's financial circumstances. Maine Maritime Academy treats all such information as confidential.

In general, you are eligible for undergraduate financial aid at Maine Maritime if you:

1. Are a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
2. Are making satisfactory academic progress as defined in the catalog
3. Are not in default on a prior loan or do not owe a refund on a grant or scholarship
4. Are male, and registered with the Selective Service
5. Demonstrate financial need.

Federal, State, and campus aid is awarded on the basis of need. Need is the difference between your costs (tuition, room, board, books, supplies, and personal expenses) and the amount that you and your family are expected to pay as determined by a standard formula established by Congress and regulated by the Department of Education. This amount is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Thus, COST - EFC = NEED. The basis for determining the expected family contribution at Maine Maritime is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

Students applying for financial assistance should submit a FAFSA to the Federal Student Aid Programs Office as soon as possible after January 1 of the application year, but not later than April 30. Applications are available from your high school guidance office or Maine Maritime Academy, or on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Re-application for financial aid is required for each academic year that the student wishes to be considered for financial assistance. Parent and student tax returns and a verification worksheet may be required. Call or write the Financial Aid Office with any questions regarding the financial aid process (207) 326-2205. The Financial Aid Office is located in The Robert S. Walker Admissions and Financial Aid Center.

Sources of Aid

Private Scholarships

Private organizations offer financial assistance to thousands of qualified individuals each year. High schools, community organizations, professional associations, businesses, and industries frequently offer scholarships to students. Some are based on need or scholastic achievement, but many are not. High school guidance counselors and public libraries have lists of organizations offering these scholarships, and there are several free scholarship search sites on the Internet.

State Scholarships

Most states administer scholarship programs. Check with your guidance counselor to find out how to apply for these funds. State administered awards are generally designed to help full-time, undergraduate students working toward their first degree, and who have financial need. In many state programs, only the FAFSA is required.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are awarded by the college to undergraduate students who demonstrate extraordinary financial need. The awards range from $400 to $1,000 per year and do not have to be repaid. Perkins Loans offer low interest rates. These loan funds are made available by the college to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The maximum amount a student with high need may borrow is $4,000 a year, $20,000 lifetime.

Students with demonstrated financial need who are awarded Federal College Work-Study funds may work up to 20 hours each week, on campus or in community service, during the academic year. Specific work schedules are arranged around class time. Work-Study awards generally range from $500 to $1,500 per year. Students will be paid a minimum of $6.00 per hour and a maximum of $7.00 per hour. Pay range is determined by the student's supervisor.

Students may become eligible for the Federal Pell Grant by completing the FAFSA each year until the completion of the bachelor’s degree. These federal grants currently range from $400 to $4,310 per year and do not have to be repaid.

Stafford Loans (subsidized) are available to students with verified need enrolled in a degree-seeking program. Applications may be obtained at the Financial Aid office as well as most banks or lenders. Loan funds are disbursed in two payments. A student with demonstrated need who is enrolled on at least a half-time basis is eligible for the following Stafford Loan amounts: $3,500 in the first academic year of an undergraduate program; $4,500 in the second year; and $5,500 per academic year thereafter until successful completion of an undergraduate degree. Graduate and professional students are eligible for $8,500 subsidized Stafford funds per year. The lifetime maximum Stafford Loan amount is $23,000 for undergraduates; graduate students demonstrating financial need may borrow up to a maximum amount of $138,000, including loans received at the undergraduate level. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans requiring interest payments while the student is in college are available in the same amounts for students who do not qualify for the Stafford loan (determined by the FAFSA).

A variety of parent and other alternative loans are available. Contact the Financial Aid Office for specific recommendations.

Veteran's Educational Assistance

Maine Maritime Academy programs are approved for the enrollment of military personnel, veterans, and their eligible dependents under the various educational assistance programs (GI Bills). Programs are approved by the State Approving Agency for Veterans’ Education Programs. Students who plan to receive veterans' education benefits must see the Registrar.

Institutional Scholarship, Grant, and Loan Programs

Limited institutional scholarships, grants, and loan programs are available through the generosity of friends and alumni of Maine Maritime Academy, each with criteria developed by donors and awarded annually to students with financial need; academic progress also may be taken into consideration. In order to be considered for such funds, a student must submit a FAFSA. Recipients will be expected to write a thank you note to the donor.

Extended Payment Programs

The Academy has agreements with two companies which offer monthly payment plans: Tuition Management Systems and Key Education Resources. Both of these offer 10-month plans with equal payments due July 1 - April 1. Either of these plans can be used to cover all MMA costs or to supplement final costs after financial aid. These companies offer 10-month plans in coordination with loans as well, for those who want to lower their monthly payments. Information is sent directly to entering first year students from these companies, or contact the Finance Office for details.

NROTC College and Scholarship Programs

The Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Program is divided into two major categories of students, those who are on Navy scholarship (Scholarship Program) and those who are not (College Program). Four-year Navy or Marine Corps ROTC scholarships are awarded to prospective first-year college students annually by Chief of Naval Education and Training on a competitive basis nationwide. These scholarships provide full tuition, fees, a $375 book allowance, uniforms, and a $250-$400 subsistence allowance per month depending on the year of the student. Four-year national scholarship winners who attend Maine Maritime Academy are also provided by MMA free room and board while at MMA, or a stipend of $1,000 per semester in lieu of room and board if not residing in the dormitory. 

NROTC students who are not on scholarship are enrolled in the NROTC College Program. College Program students receive uniforms and books for Naval Science courses for the entire time they are enrolled, and a subsistence allowance of $350 per month during the junior year and $400 per month during the senior year. College Program students may compete for scholarships during their first two years at college. If selected for scholarship, College Program students will receive the same benefits as four-year national scholarship recipients, but not the room and board gratuity from MMA. The length of these scholarships (3.5, 3, 2.5, or 2 years) is dependent on when the student is selected for the scholarship and becomes physically qualified. College Program students incur no obligation to the Navy until they begin their junior year or are awarded and accept a scholarship.

NROTC graduates receive active duty commissions in the Navy or Marine Corps. Please refer to the section on Naval Service Commissioning Programs in this catalog for more information. Accepting an NROTC scholarship after accepting standard financial aid may result in an adjustment of financial aid funds.

Merchant Marine Reserve/U.S. Navy Reserve Program

All physically qualified Maine Maritime Academy students enrolled in the U.S. Coast Guard unlimited license program, and who are between the ages of 17 and 25, are eligible to compete for this reserve program. The Maritime Administration is presently funding $4,000 yearly for four years for qualified students. Students admitted to this program who are awarded the federal incentive payment will be obligated to apply for, be offered, and to have accepted a Midshipman status in the U.S. Navy Reserve, (Merchant Marine Reserve, USNR) and simultaneously to have applied for and have been accepted for Enlisted Reserve status.

Please see the section on Naval Service Commissioning Programs in this catalog for more information.

These funds are considered a resource and are expected to be used for educational funding. Financial aid awards may need to be revised after a student accepts the MMR agreement.

Regular Student Wage and Off-Campus Employment Programs

Students who do not receive funds under the Federal College Work-Study program may seek employment on campus up to 20 hours each week during the academic year. On campus employment for regular student wages is limited. A website is available where jobs are posted on a regular basis. (http://studentjobs.mma.edu/)

Financial Aid Policies

Independent Student Status

To qualify for independent status, a student must be able to meet the Department of Education Criteria for Independency.

A student is automatically independent if the student:

1. Is 24 years old by December 31 of the award year; or

2. Is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces; or

3. Is an orphan or a ward of the court; or

4. Has a spouse or other legal dependents; or

5. Is working on a Master's degree; or

6. Is currently serving on active duty in U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training.

The Director of Financial Aid, using professional judgment, may consider a student with documented unusual circumstances as independent. A parent's unwillingness to contribute to their child’s education is not grounds for independent status.

Falsification

Parents and students must supply accurate and complete information on all financial aid applications. Willful falsification or omission of information is a criminal offense punishable under Maine and federal laws. Intentional omission or falsification may result in withdrawal of all financial assistance or repayment of any assistance granted by the Academy's Financial Aid Office.

Director of Financial Aid Discretion

In some cases, the Director of Financial Aid may adjust the expected family contribution derived from the federal methodology system if the officer has documented reason to believe that the original contribution calculated does not accurately reflect the student’s or parents’ ability to contribute to the cost of attendance. This is called a Request for Review and will require full documentation.

Financial Aid and Academic Standing

Students receiving financial assistance are expected to maintain satisfactory progress toward a degree. Any student meeting the following criteria will automatically be considered as making sufficient satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes:

• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 1.80 and successful completion of at least 24 semester credit hours after 2 semesters;
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of a 2.0 and completion of 48 semester credit hours after 4 semesters;
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of a 2.0 and completion of 72 semester credit hours after 6 semesters;
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of a 2.0 and completion of 96 semester credit hours after 8 semesters.

Students not meeting the above conditions will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic Board of the Academy to decide whether satisfactory progress is being made.

In no instance will an undergraduate student be eligible for financial assistance beyond six years of study, or if the minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 has not been met after completing four semesters as a full-time student. Financial Aid includes all Federal and State grants, all Federal and institutional loans, work study and all institutional scholarships.

Governance

The above and all other policies governing the administration of financial aid at Maine Maritime Academy are in accordance with federal and state laws regulating federal and state aid programs which were current at the time of publication.

Students have the right to appeal any financial aid decisions to the Financial Aid Review Committee which is comprised of the Director of Admissions, the Director of Financial Aid, the Registrar, the Director of Residential Life, and a faculty representative. Appeals must be made in writing and submitted to the Director of Financial Aid.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

Tuition rates normally are established each February for the next academic year by the Board of Trustees.

For the Fall semester of 2007, undergraduate tuition is as follows:

$3,500  In-State
$5,250  New England Regional*
$6,800  Out-of-State

 Course Overload Fees:

$250/credit  In-State
$375/credit  New England Regional*
$450/credit  Out-of-State

*The Academy is a member of the New England Regional Student Program (NERSP), and, therefore, eligible students from New England states that do not have similar academic programs pay the Maine in-state tuition rate plus 50 percent. Residents of Quebec, the Canadian Maritime Provinces, and Puerto Rico also are eligible.

Under the NERSP, the following MMA majors are available to students from the states indicated:

• Marine Biology:  CT, VT
• Marine Science: CT, MA, NH, VT
• Small Vessel Operations: CT, MA, NH, RI, VT
• Power Engineering Operations: CT, NH, RI, VT
• Power Engineering Technology: CT, NH, RI, VT
• International Business & Logistics: CT, NH, RI, VT
• Interdisciplinary Studies: CT, VT
• Marine Systems Engineering (Non-License Track): CT, NH, RI, VT

Students from Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Puerto Rico* who enroll in one of the following four majors qualify for in-state tuition rates. These four majors lead to a U.S. Coast Guard unlimited license and require membership in the Regiment of Midshipmen. An Admissions Office representative can determine if a student qualifies for these majors. See the catalog section on Student Life for more information on the Regiment of Midshipmen and the section on Admissions for the requirements for applicants to the U.S. Coast Guard license program.

*Effective incoming students 2005.

• Marine Transportation Operations
• Marine Systems Engineering (License Track)
• Marine Engineering Operations
• Marine Engineering Technology

Room and Board

Room fees are based on double occupancy. Single rooms may be requested through the Student Affairs Office. Requests will be granted only when double occupancy is not required by the Academy to satisfy housing demands. A student will not be charged the single room rate if the student has not applied for a single room and has followed proper procedures but is assigned a single room for the convenience of the Academy.

Students who qualify for off-campus living may cancel the reservation for a room in Curtis Hall by making written application to the Associate Director of Student Services no later than two weeks after the beginning of each semester. Those students who cancel the reservation will be billed a $200 or a $400 fee and/or charged on a pro-rated basis.

The Academy reserves the option to place three students in a room in Curtis Hall during the fall and spring semesters. Students will receive an adjustment in room rates at the end of the semester based upon the amount of time that triple occupancy occurred.

All resident students who pay a room fee are required to participate in a board plan. Board fees are billed each semester. Three meal plan options are available. A 5-day lunch plan is available for commuter students on weekdays. The dining room is open to all resident students during meal hours on an unlimited basis.

In those cases where a medical doctor prescribes a special diet for a student, the food service will, if possible, serve the special diet on an individual basis.

Non-resident students may gain access to the dining room by paying an individual meal charge at the door or may purchase a meal card using the "point" system.

Room and board charges (as of the Fall semester 2007) for students living on campus are as follows:

• $3,700 All on-campus students with a meal plan.

Board based on 5 lunches, M-F, for commuter students only:    $790

Fees for Academic Year 2007-2008:

The following annual fees are required of all students:

Application Fee: $15 (charged only once, unless re-applying)

Administrative Fee: $600

Student Life Fee: $205

Security Deposit: $200

Technology Fee: $500

Recreation Fee: $100

Energy Fee: $400

The following fees may be required yearly:

Unlimited License Program Participation	$2,400
Cruise Participation, T.S. State of Maine (eligible, non-unlimited license students)	$3,500
Cruise Participation, SVO	$950
Late Registration Fee	$50
Co-op Educational Experience	$700
Medical Insurance*	$525

*All matriculating undergraduate students are required to be enrolled in a medical insurance plan. Each student must provide proof of insurance or participate in the Academy-sponsored medical insurance plan. A brochure outlining the various benefits of this plan is mailed to all matriculating students in July. First-year students should note that the rejection deadline is September 1 in order to have the charge removed from the bill. Students and/or their families are responsible for notifying Health Services of any changes.

In addition to the fees listed above, the Academy charges certain fees relating to students' majors and specific courses. A schedule of fees is published each year and mailed with the first-term bill. Current examples include the following:

Bridge Simulator Lab Fee	$225
Tug/Barge Operations Course Fee	$800
Fire Training	$600
SVO Majors Lab Fee	$400
SVO 500 Ton License Program Fee	$350
Marine Biology and Marine Science Majors Lab Fee	$500
Physics, Chemistry, Welding, Machine Tool Ops., Skin & Scuba Diving Course Fee	$200

U.S. Coast Guard User Fees

Students pursuing a U.S. Coast Guard license are advised that the Coast Guard charges user fees for life boat exams, license application evaluations, and documents (i.e., license and Merchant Mariner’s documents). These fees are not included in the aforementioned tuition and fees requirements and are paid directly to the Coast Guard as required.

Deposits

Deposit

A deposit of $100 is required of all degree seeking students upon their acceptance. This deposit is refundable if Admissions is notified of the candidate’s decision to withdraw his/her acceptance on or before May 1^st.

Security Deposit

A contingency deposit of $200 is required from all students. This deposit must be maintained as long as the student is enrolled at Maine Maritime Academy.

The deposit will be retained for unreturned Academy-issued equipment, clothing, library books, or any other unpaid charges. Any remaining balance, up to $200, will also be retained if a student disenrolls without notifying the Registrar's Office before the first day of classes.

Students who maintain residence in Curtis Hall are not held liable for the cost of routine repairs to corridors or public areas but are charged on a proportional basis for willful damage caused by unidentified students resulting from negligence or vandalism. Determination and scope of damage charges are the responsibility of the Dean of Student Services.

Payment and Refund Policies

Payment Schedule

In determining the amount due each semester, the student may subtract any scholarships, loans, grants, or payment plans under which payments are made directly to the Academy by the sponsoring organization and for which the Academy had been notified in writing of the student’s eligibility and acceptance.

It is the policy of Maine Maritime Academy that all expenses, including tuition, fees, room, board, and deposits are due and are to be paid by each student on or before the dates shown in the following schedule:

Semester	Payment Due Date
Fall Semester	Tuition deposit upon acceptance or May 1
Fall Semester	August 15
Spring Semester	January 5

Payments sent by mail should be mailed at least five business days in advance of the due date to assure receipt by the due date. Those choosing to pay by Visa or Mastercard may do so by calling the Cashier's Office at (207) 326-2236.

As part of the formal registration process each semester, student accounts must be paid in full, or satisfactory arrangements to make payments must be approved by the Finance Office, before students enter classes at the beginning of a new semester. Failure to follow this process may result in an additional registration fee. Students with unresolved outstanding balances may be disqualified from participation in all academic and non-academic activities and may be prevented from entering the residence hall or utilizing their meal card.

Late Payment Fees

The college will charge interest on all unpaid accounts beyond a 30-day grace period at the rate of one percent per month or 12 percent per annum.

Students who disenroll with an unpaid balance are responsible for making payment arrangements with the Finance Office upon departure. Additional collection charges may be assessed if a satisfactory plan is not met monthly, or if turned over to an outside collection agency.

Student Accounts

Upon payment of the initial deposit, an account is established in the Finance Office for the student, using the student’s name and an assigned number as the account identification. All checks should show the student’s name and identification number on the face of the check in order to assure proper credit to the student's account. Normally, students will receive an itemized statement of account in July for the fall semester and in December for the spring semester.

If for any reason a student account is overpaid, any excess may be refunded or may be left on account for the next semester. All refunds will be paid by check within 10 days following a request.

Tuition Payment Plans

Parents and students who prefer to pay for their educational expenses in monthly installments may want to consider one of the tuition payment plans available for students of Maine Maritime Academy. Mailings from the companies that provide these tuition payment plans are sent directly to students and their parents. Refer to the section entitled Extended Payment Programs under Sources of Aid.

Veterans and ROTC Students

Veterans and ROTC students who receive allowances directly from the government are responsible for payment of their fees and charges on the same basis as other students.

Withdrawal

Students withdrawing from the Academy must complete the formal withdrawal procedure as prescribed by the Provost. Failure to follow the prescribed procedures, especially at the end of a semester, may result in additional charges until the student is officially disenrolled.

Refund Policy

Students who voluntarily withdraw from the Academy are entitled to a refund of tuition, fees, and room and board charges, according to the following schedule:

First Year Students:

• After beginning of orientation (but prior to beginning of classes): 100 percent of tuition and fees, plus 95 percent of room and board.

Fall or Spring Semester:

• Withdrawal within first day of classes up to end of second week: Unused deposits, plus 90 percent of tuition, room and board;
• Withdrawal during third or fourth weeks: Unused deposits, plus 50 percent of tuition, room and board;
• Withdrawal during fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth weeks: Unused deposits, plus 25 percent of tuition, room and board;
• Withdrawal during ninth week or beyond: No refund.

The same percentages will be used for returning private or Academy financial aid. No fees are refunded after the first day of classes; the exception to this is summer co-op charges. Students who are suspended or dismissed after the start of a semester are not entitled to any refund. The Department of Education mandates the return of federal financial aid for Title IV recipients. This refund policy does not pertain to withdrawal from any class(es) after the add/drop period. It only applies to students voluntarily withdrawing entirely from Maine Maritime Academy.

Special Refunds

Refunds of up to 100 percent of tuition, room, board, and fees may be granted in exceptional circumstances. Such special refunds are subject to approval by the President.

Planning a Total Budget

In anticipating total costs of attending Maine Maritime Academy, be certain to add funds to cover books, transportation, spending money, and clothing. First-year students also should plan for the required laptop computer and uniforms (if applicable); clothing for regimental students costs approximately $1,500.