FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2025
Media Contact:
Alison Nason, Marketing/Communications Director
Office of Marketing & Communications
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Email: marcom@sjcme.edu
Phone: (207) 893-7644
Saint Joseph's College of Maine Shines a Light on Higher Education
with a Long-standing Free Tuition Program
STANDISH, ME — Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (SJC) today announced the formal launch of The Monk's Lantern Initiative, a long-standing free tuition program designed to make a values-based, transformative education accessible to qualifying Maine residents. The initiative, inspired by the compassionate spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, reaffirms the college’s commitment to providing opportunity for deserving students from across the state.
The Monk's Lantern Initiative is designed to eliminate a significant financial barrier to higher education by covering the full cost of tuition for up to four years of undergraduate study. The program targets students with a family income of $100,000 or less, who demonstrate strong academic achievement with a minimum high school GPA of 3.4. To be eligible, students must also be Maine residents for at least one year and live on campus throughout their enrollment at Saint Joseph's College of Maine.
"The Monk's Lantern Initiative is a powerful expression of our core values," said SJC President Joe Cassidy. "For years, we've quietly been walking with students from the margins, helping them realize their potential and achieve their dreams. This program is our formal commitment to that legacy—ensuring that a values-based education is not a luxury, but a fundamental opportunity for every qualified student in Maine. We are illuminating the path forward, one student at a time."
Beyond The Monk's Lantern Initiative, Saint Joseph's College of Maine is dedicated to making education affordable for all students. Last year alone, the college awarded nearly $20 million in generous merit scholarships and award packages. As a result, 100% of SJC students receive a scholarship or aid package, underscoring the college's commitment to investing in its students' futures.
Prospective students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the full admission application for Saint Joseph’s College of Maine to be considered. The Monk's Lantern Initiative is a key part of SJC’s mission to serve the Maine community with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to student success.
About Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is the state’s only Catholic liberal arts college. Located on the shores of Sebago Lake in Standish, Maine, the college offers a diverse, inclusive community focused on compassion, justice, and environmental stewardship. The college’s 382-acre campus includes 2,500 feet of waterfront and is committed to sustainability.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers more than 40 undergraduate programs and 22 Division III athletic teams for approximately 800 on-campus students, along with certificates, undergraduate, and graduate degrees to over 2,000 working adults online, both in the U.S. and internationally. Learn more at www.sjcme.edu.
