Maine Days Initiative Reached over 130 High Schools in Maine

By Laura Meader

November 4, 2019

From Robert W. Traip Academy in southern Maine to Madawaska High School up north, and from Fryeburg Academy in the west to Calais High School in the east—all within 48 hours.

For the second straight year, nearly 20 staff members from Colby’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid traversed the state of Maine over a two day period, visiting over 130 public, charter, island, independent, and magnet schools along the way. Developed in collaboration with local school districts as an opportunity for students to learn more about Colby and the college admissions and financial aid process, this year’s Maine Days initiative took place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 and included visits to every available public high school in Maine.

“Talented students come from all backgrounds and hail from all corners of our state,” said Randi L. Arsenault ’09, assistant vice president of admissions and financial aid and a Western Maine native. “We’re committed to visiting their communities, partnering with their dedicated educators, and ensuring they can see themselves at institutions like Colby.”

With the rising costs of higher education, affordability is central to these conversations throughout Maine and beyond. Colby offers some of the most competitive financial aid packages in the country, meeting 100% of each student’s demonstrated need without packaging student loans. Families earning up to $60,000 per year with typical assets can expect a parent or guardian contribution of $0. And families earning up to $150,000 can expect a parent or guardian contribution of $15,000 or less. For the Class of 2022, Colby provided more than $7 million in financial aid to Maine students.