College & Education in Maine

17 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Maine

Maine district courts handle most family matters; superior courts handle more complex cases and appeals. The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery operates under DHHS. Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and Auburn are the largest cities. Pine Tree Legal Assistance is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong online self-help library covering custody and support.

17 Resources

1. Maine Community College System — Paid

Seven community colleges across Maine offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. Fathers returning to school can call 207-629-4000 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit mccs.me.edu to learn about admissions, financial aid, and campus locations. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA information to enroll. Many programs are part-time and online-friendly to fit around work and family schedules.

207-629-4000 · 323 State St, Augusta, ME 04330 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Southern Maine Community College — Paid

Two-year public community college in South Portland offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs to four-year universities. Fathers returning to school can call 207-741-5500 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit the Fort Road campus to learn about admissions, financial aid, and student support services. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA results to enroll. The college offers daytime, evening, and online courses.

207-741-5500 · 2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Eastern Maine Community College — Paid

Two-year public community college in Bangor offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training with hands-on programs in trades, nursing, and technology. Fathers returning to school can call 207-974-4600 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit the Hogan Road campus for admissions and financial aid information. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA results. Daytime, evening, and online classes help working parents manage schedules.

207-974-4600 · 354 Hogan Rd, Bangor, ME 04401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. FAFSA – Federal Student Aid — Free

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid unlocks federal grants, loans, and work-study for college, community college, and career training. Fathers can complete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov any time, 24/7. Gather Social Security numbers, prior year tax returns, and lists of schools before starting. Filing is free, and Maine state grants also use FAFSA data. Help is available by phone at 800-433-3243 if needed.

800-433-3243 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

5. Maine State Grant Program — Free

State need-based grant program for Maine residents attending eligible colleges, administered by the Finance Authority of Maine. Fathers returning to school can apply by completing the FAFSA and visiting famemaine.com for details. Call 207-623-3263 with questions. Awards depend on household income, family size, and attendance status. The grant does not require repayment, and Maine students should apply early each year as funds are awarded until depleted.

207-623-3263 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

6. Kennebec Valley Community College — Paid

Two-year public community college in Fairfield offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce programs. Fathers returning to school can call 207-453-5000 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit the Western Avenue campus for admissions and financial aid. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA results. Evening, online, and hybrid classes help working parents balance coursework with family responsibilities and employment.

207-453-5000 · 92 Western Ave, Fairfield, ME 04937 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Central Maine Community College — Paid

Two-year public community college in Auburn offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training across trades, health, and business fields. Fathers returning to school can call 207-755-5100 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit the Turner Street campus for admissions and financial aid. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA results. Flexible day, evening, and online scheduling helps working parents fit classes around jobs.

207-755-5100 · 1250 Turner St, Auburn, ME 04210 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Maine Adult Education – GED Programs — Free

Statewide network of free adult education programs offering GED prep, high school diplomas, ESL, and workforce training through local school districts. Fathers without a high school credential can visit maineadulted.org to find the nearest program and class schedule. Programs are free for Maine residents and include flexible daytime, evening, and online options. Advisors help students plan next steps after earning their diploma or certificate.

Varies by location · Visit Website

9. University of Maine – Orono — Paid

Maine's flagship public land-grant research university in Orono, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across many disciplines. Fathers returning to school can call 207-581-1110 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit the College Avenue campus for admissions and financial aid. Bring photo ID, transcripts, and FAFSA results. The university offers online, hybrid, and evening courses, plus services tailored to nontraditional students and veterans.

207-581-1110 · 168 College Ave, Orono, ME 04469 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. University of Southern Maine — Paid

Public university with campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston offering bachelor's, master's, and professional programs. Fathers returning to school can call 207-780-4141 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit the Falmouth Street Portland campus for admissions. Bring photo ID, transcripts, and FAFSA results. USM offers evening, online, and accelerated programs designed for working adults and parents. Services include advising, childcare resources, and veterans' support.

207-780-4141 · 96 Falmouth St, Portland, ME 04104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. University of Maine – Augusta — Paid

Public university specializing in flexible online and in-person programs designed for working adults, with its main campus in Augusta and centers statewide. Fathers returning to school can call 207-621-3000 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for admissions and financial aid. Bring photo ID, transcripts, and FAFSA results. UMA offers bachelor's and associate degrees, with many programs available fully online. Advisors assist with credit transfer and degree planning.

207-621-3000 · 46 University Dr, Augusta, ME 04330 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Washington County Community College — Paid

Two-year public community college in Calais serving far eastern Maine with associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training including trades and marine programs. Fathers returning to school can call 207-454-1000 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit the College Drive campus for admissions and financial aid. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA results. The college offers flexible scheduling with on-campus and online courses.

207-454-1000 · One College Dr, Calais, ME 04619 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Northern Maine Community College — Paid

Two-year public community college in Presque Isle offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training tailored to Aroostook County industries. Fathers returning to school can call 207-768-2700 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit the Edgemont Drive campus for admissions and financial aid. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA results. Hybrid, online, and evening classes help working parents balance school, jobs, and family life.

207-768-2700 · 33 Edgemont Dr, Presque Isle, ME 04769 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. York County Community College — Paid

Two-year public community college in Wells offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce programs for southern Maine. Fathers returning to school can call 207-216-4300 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit the College Drive campus for admissions and financial aid. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA results. Daytime, evening, and online courses give working parents flexible options to complete degrees while managing jobs and childcare.

207-216-4300 · 112 College Dr, Wells, ME 04090 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Portland Adult Education — Free

Free GED prep, ESL, high school completion, and workforce training programs for Portland adults. Fathers can call 207-874-8155 Mon-Fri 8am-8pm or visit the Locust Street site to enroll. Bring photo ID and proof of residency. Programs are free to Portland and area residents and include daytime and evening classes. Advisors help connect students with college enrollment, job placement, and support services after graduation.

207-874-8155 · 14 Locust St, Portland, ME 04101 · Mon-Fri 8am-8pm · Visit Website

16. Lewiston Adult Education — Free

Free adult education and career training programs in Lewiston including GED prep, ESL, high school completion, and workforce certifications. Fathers can call 207-795-4141 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm or visit the East Avenue site to enroll. Bring photo ID and proof of Lewiston or area residency. Classes are offered days and evenings, and advisors help students plan the next steps toward college, employment, or career advancement.

207-795-4141 · 156 East Ave, Lewiston, ME 04240 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

17. Bangor Adult & Community Education — Free

Free GED prep, ESL, high school completion, and job training programs for Bangor-area adults. Fathers can call 207-941-6390 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm or visit the Highland Avenue site to enroll. Bring photo ID and proof of residency in the service area. Classes are held days and evenings, and staff help students transition to college, apprenticeships, or employment. Programs are free to qualifying Maine residents.

207-941-6390 · 30 Highland Ave, Bangor, ME 04401 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?: Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?: Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?: Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.