University of Southern Maine
USM promotes a diverse community with varied backgrounds and experiences to build a rich environment on our campuses. This results in a well-rounded learning community as individuals engage one another, build understanding, and learn to advocate for themselves and each other.
Our faculty members educate future leaders in a broad range of disciplines in technology, healthcare, sciences, business, liberal arts, visual and performing arts, social services, education, and public service. They are committed to fostering a spirit of critical inquiry and civic participation - skills critical to engaging in today's world.
Located in Portland, the economic and cultural hub of Maine, USM supports sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and community involvement. Working together, we know we can make a positive difference.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Blind
This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
Admissions Requirements
SAT
Yes
ACT
Yes
Transcript
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. | December 1 | |
| Fall Regular Decision | August 15 | |
| Spring Regular Decision | December 1 | |
| Other | May 1 |
Admitted Student Stats
1%
Submitting ACT
21%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 22
Average SAT Composite: 1058
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
7,583
Total Number of Undergrads
5,616
Classroom Sizes
0
100
20%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
36%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
14:1
US National: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $10,920 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $27,104 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $11,650 |
| Books and Supplies | $1000 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
80%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
28%
Average Aid Per Year
$9,668
28%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$6,096
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$6,368
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
49%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$6,938
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$13,750
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$196
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
50
Size of Town
Small city
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Housing
0
100
25%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Huskies
School Colors
blue, gold, and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Not applicable
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Portland
Boston
Lewiston
Bangor
New York
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$44,400
What Students Are Saying
usm is a great school that is often taken for granted. there are tons of opportunities available once you become involved in the community. usm is also known to have some of the best programs around, in certain majors.
Jenae
USM is a state school so it's not crazy fancy, but it's good enough for me! It's a cheap state school and the campuses are beautiful. I love the atmosphere.
Meghan from Wells, ME
i love it here! the hills on the gorham campus are tough on your legs but it's worth it. the community is very accepting of everyone!
Jessica from Manchester, NH
I am very pleased to be a student here. My adjustment process went smooth and now belong to the wrestling team. This is a small campus with a lot of potential if your willing to apply yourself. I have met a lot of new friends and the staff is very helpful. I made the right choice to attend here, as I was offered acceptance in other schools.
Matt
This a fantastic school, especially for the price. Programs are divided into three campuses: Gorham, Portland, and Lewiston. The Portland and Gorham campuses are the most established, but the Lewiston campus has a small-community feel that makes it the favorite of many.
Jasmine from Gray, ME
The University is a multicultural, multi religious center where education meets eye opening cultural differences.
USM goes bent over backwards to meet the needs of each student, so each one can succeed.
USM is located in the heart of one of Maine's biggest cities, where one can join friends for a movie or fellow students for a study session in the near by park or ocean beach.
USM goes bent over backwards to meet the needs of each student, so each one can succeed.
USM is located in the heart of one of Maine's biggest cities, where one can join friends for a movie or fellow students for a study session in the near by park or ocean beach.
Melinda from Portland, ME
The university of Southern Maine is a good state university for people who know what they want to major in. They offer a large variety of majors and classes but the advisors don't always help you the way they should. Overall it is a fun school for all ages.
Phoebe from Raymond, ME
Great friends, great professors and gread administration.
Rinette from Belfast, Maine
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