Two UMF students, Kiley Meader, and Emma Dunn sit in the dining hall and smile for a photo.

Early College Students

Start College Early with UMF

The University of Maine at Farmington’s Early College program serves as a hub in Western Maine for rural high school students seeking to earn college credit while still in high school. Through this program, students can take distinctive and challenging UMF college courses online, on-campus, or concurrent enrollment with specially designed offerings at participating high schools.

Early College is tuition-free and offered at all of University of Maine System universities. UMF prides itself in offering students opportunities to be in classes that are often small, hands-on (even when online) and student-centered.

Learn More Apply
Professor talking to two students
Professor talking to two students

Early College Pathways

Our Early College Pathways allow you to explore careers, programs, and majors at UMF while also pursuing meaningful coursework that will have relevance — both now and once you’re in college.

Each pathway consists of 4 courses that are meant to both introduce students to the content of a major or academic program while also giving them a chance to earn credits that are highly transferable and relevant regardless of where students land after high school. 

Explore Pathways

Where Access Meets Opportunity

Student working at table in library writing in notebook.

FREE Tuition

Early College is tuition-free for Maine residents, though some fees and textbook costs may apply. Qualified Maine students in grades 9–12 may earn up to 18 tuition-free credits. Beyond 18 credits, the cost at UMF is $149 per credit for online or on-campus courses, or $60 per credit for concurrent enrollment.

In some cases, textbook expenses may be covered by the university or a student’s school district. If textbook costs are a barrier to participation, please contact us.

Benefits

Early College students often:
  • Demonstrate readiness for rigorous college coursework
  • Build stronger study skills and academic confidence
  • Feel less anxious about the transition to college
  • Earn transferable college credits before graduating high school
  • Save time and potentially reduce future college costs
  • Enter college better prepared to graduate on time

Getting Started

Applying happens through the University of Maine System’s ExplorEC portal, where students can register for courses across UMaine System campuses.

Steps to Enroll:
1. Create an ExplorEC account
2. Browse available courses
3. Submit your application
4. Register for classes
Step-by-Step Guide
I think Early College really prepares you well. Taking college-level classes made my transition to college way easier — and I didn’t have to pay extra for it. I feel like my freshman year of college is easier than my senior year of high school. And unlike my roommates, I can get 8 hours of sleep and I still have some free time. Plus, I was able to fit in the English Language Learner Certificate class I wanted to do.
Gabby Jolin
Early College student
Graduated from Foxcroft Academy
University of Maine Farmington sign outside of Mantor library.

Have questions? Contact us!

Kirsten Petroska
Director of Early College Partnerships
Division of Graduate & Continuing Education
University of Maine at Farmington
Theo Kalikow Education Center
186 High Street
Farmington, Maine 04938
tel 207-778-7266
TTY (via Maine Relay Service) dial 711
kirsten.petroska@maine.edu

For additional information about the University of Maine System’s Early College programs, please visit: https://www.maine.edu/early-college/