Student Financial Services Information for Early College / Aspirations Students: 2021-2022

Qualified concurrent enrollment and Aspirations students may earn up to 12 tuition free credit hours per year. This total includes all courses taken at ’s Public Universities and Maine’s Community Colleges. The year is based on the course start date and begins July 1 through June 30.

The State of Maine Department of Education waives $138.25* per credit hour of tuition for up to 12 credit hours per year. (Maximum $1,659.00). USM waives the remaining cost of tuition for up to 12 credit hours per year.

*The Early College tuition rate for Maine students is currently $138.25/credit but is subject to change when tuition rates change. Maine high school students will be billed the Early College tuition rate for each credit above 12

Students are responsible for the cost of fees or additional tuition associated with the classes in which they are enrolled. Fees are not waived by the University or the Department of Education.

Additional information on tuition and fees can be found at: https://usm.maine.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-and-fees

Not all schools qualify for the State of Maine Waiver. “The only Private Schools that qualify for Aspirations monies are the 60% schools, which means they are 60% publicly funded.” A Verification of Public Funding form must be submitted by a student attending one of these schools. Approved list as of 06/09/2019:

Blue Hill Harbor School George Stevens Academy Erskine Academy John Bapst Memorial High School Thornton Academy Washington Academy Fryeburg Academy Lincoln Academy

Payment Information:

Payment for the Fall Semester is due August 15thth. Payment for students enrolling after those dates is due within 10 days of enrollment. Late fees may be applied if payment isn’t made by the due date.

Payment options include:

 E-check /ACH (electronic checks) - An electronic debit to a checking or savings account can be made online by logging on to the MaineStreet Student Center. There is no fee for this service.

 Credit and Debit Cards - Credit and debit card payments are processed by Touchnet, an external payment processing company. Credit and debit card payments can be made online by logging on to the MaineStreet Student Center. Debit and credit card payments cannot be accepted by USM staff in person, through the mail or over the phone. Touchnet will charge a non-refundable convenience fee for all credit or debit card payments made to a student account.

 Payment Plan - Payment plan option are available. Enrollment in a payment plan is through the TouchNet system accessed via your MaineStreet account.

 Cash and Paper Checks - USM accepts cash, but please do not send it through the mail. We also accept personal checks, money orders, cashier's checks and traveler's checks.

 Please make checks payable to the University of Southern Maine and mail to: USM Student Financial Services PO Box 9300 Portland Maine 04104-9300

Be sure to include the student ID number on the face of the check. Postdated checks are not accepted.

Feel free to contact Pat Fecteau in the Student Financial Services Office will any questions or concerns regarding billing. She can be reached at 207-780-5128 or [email protected] Below are the steps to make an online payment (and set up a payment plan if wanted)

Initial payments are due: August 15th for the Fall semester and January 15th for the Spring semester

Be sure your pop-up blockers have been disabled before starting the process. Do not use the “back button” during the process.

Credit Cards and electronic checks are accepted online. Credit card companies will charge a fee.

Log into your MaineStreet Student Self-Service then Student Center Page

Click on the View My Bill or Pay My Bill link (under Finances)

Then click View Bill/Payment Options

You will then see the link Access TouchNet Bill+ Payment.

After clicking that link you will directed to the Bill+Payment Suite System. You can follow the directions for making a payment at that point or enroll in the payment plan. Be sure to choose the University of Southern Maine and the applicable term.

To enroll in an optional payment plan:

· Follow steps the above, select the Payment Plan tab and follow the prompts.

· A $30 non-refundable set up fee and a down payment will be due at the time of enrollment.

You can also stop by the Gorham or Portland Student Accounts Office to set up the plan. Only cash or check is accepted in the offices.

If you have a problem accessing your MaineStreet account, please call the Help Desk at 207-780-4029.

Please Note

It is recommended that you use Firefox as your browser.

After signing in to MaineStreet, your browser should transfer you to the TouchNet Bill + Payment system. If your browser takes you to the TouchNet signin/welcome page, do not attempt to enter your Student Account and PIN.

You will need to delete your browser’s cache (temporary internet files), close your browser, and try navigating through MaineStreet again. Once you are in MaineStreet you should be able to access TouchNet without signing in again.

Also please be aware that MaineStreet uses pop up technology, so pop up blockers should be disabled.