With alumni gift, Husson offers free tuition for qualified students from Penobscot County

Photo / Courtesy of Husson University Husson University in Bangor is offering free tuition for qualifying students in Penobscot County.

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By Renee Cordes

Husson University is offering qualified students in Penobscot County free tuition via a new scholarship funded by two prominent alumni and long-time supporters of the Bangor school.

The Cyr Opportunity Scholarship, announced Dec. 3, will provide students who have earned a 3.0 GPA in high school, have a family adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less and who live in Penobscot County a tuition-free offer to attend Husson via a combination of federal, state and institutional aid.

Husson did not disclose the value of the alumni gift.

"As a university, Husson wants to ensure that capable, driven students here in Maine can afford a quality education that prepares them for the future. Enabling local students to attend Husson without incurring debt is an investment in our future, their future and the future of our local economy," said Lyn Coy-Ogan, who took the reins as Husson’s president on July 1.

The scholarship’s namesakes are Joseph and Suzanne Cyr, who owned Cyr Bus Lines and Cyr Northstar Tours before transferring ownership to their children. The bus company provides school bus service to 13 Maine school districts serving 25 communities as well as charter services for customers including Husson University.

“We’re pleased to be the main supporter for this incredible new opportunity for local students that will enable more young people to experience a quality Husson education like we received,” the Cyrs said in a joint statement.

Students from Penobscot County who are applying for undergraduate admission in fall 2025 admission are eligible.

Applications are currently being accepted for fall 2025 and are reviewed on a rolling basis.

“Husson University is dedicated to educating students for the careers of tomorrow through quality academic programs in a variety of professional fields. The Cyr Opportunity Scholarship will ensure more local students can earn their college degree and be career-ready upon graduation,” said Michael Fox, Husson’s vice president of enrollment.

Current enrollment at Husson is 3,370.

On a list of the state’s largest colleges and universities in the 2024 Mainebiz Book of Lists, Husson was ranked No. 7, just behind the University of New England. Rankings were based on full-time undergraduate enrollment in fall 2023. The 2025 Book of Lists will be published Dec. 30.