University of Southern Maine
The 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 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.
Accepts first-year applicationsNew EnglandPublicUrbanMedium (2,001 to 14,999)Co-Ed
Academic programs
- Engineering
- Science
- Technology
- Liberal Arts
- Business
- Education
- Nursing
- Communication
- Music
- Economics
- Finance/Accounting
- Government/Political Science
- Health Science
- Performing Arts
- Social Science
- Visual Arts
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Public health
Student experience
- Athletics
- Co-op/Internship Opportunities
- Disability Services
- Greek Life
- Intramural/Club Sports
- LGBTQIA Services
- Military/Veteran Services
- On-Campus Housing
- ROTC Program
- Study Abroad
- Undergraduate Research
- Distance/online learning
Application information
First-year
The University of Southern Maine (USM) is SAT/ACT test optional. Undergraduate degree applicants are not required to submit SAT/ACT test scores, and applications submitted without scores will not be adversely impacted.
We offer Early Action for students interested in an earlier admission decision. Students who apply by November 15 and submit all supporting materials by December 1 will be guaranteed an admission decision by January 15.
We do not require an application fee for undergraduate, non-international applicants.
International students have a $50 non-refundable application fee to cover the additional costs of processing international documents. To pay that fee please visit USM Undergraduate Application Fee webpage.
We offer Early Action for students interested in an earlier admission decision. Students who apply by November 15 and submit all supporting materials by December 1 will be guaranteed an admission decision by January 15.
We do not require an application fee for undergraduate, non-international applicants.
International students have a $50 non-refundable application fee to cover the additional costs of processing international documents. To pay that fee please visit USM Undergraduate Application Fee webpage.
Transfer
Over 40% of USM students are adults. We understand the limited time you have available and recognize that the process of transferring credits can seem overwhelming and complicated. We are prepared to help you every step of the way. Our Admissions team can provide you with unofficial transfer credit evaluations to give you an idea of which credits will transfer. Official credit evaluations are completed and sent to admitted students several weeks after admission. Contact a Transfer Counselor at (207) 780-5670 or admitusm@maine.edu or visit usm.maine.edu/transfer.
International students have a $50 non-refundable application fee to cover the additional costs of processing international documents. To pay that fee please go to the USM Undergraduate Application Fee webpage.
International students have a $50 non-refundable application fee to cover the additional costs of processing international documents. To pay that fee please go to the USM Undergraduate Application Fee webpage.
Image gallery
Additional information
At the University of Southern Maine (USM), students employ what they learn in the classroom from inspiring professors and fellow students and bring it straight into the real world. Through active and service learning, USM is committed to community engagement both for the benefit of our students and the world around us, and our prime locations in two of the state's largest economic and cultural areas means that we can have a huge impact on the present and future of Maine as a whole. Hear from a few of our students:
Nicole: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypgQvVrFr7Y
Jean-Daniel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFG4_IEQ4gw&t=6s
AJ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU7-vbAbvIo
Meg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0W_OxAZLo8&t=12s
Ben: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1XWGw2Zy2I
Nicole: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypgQvVrFr7Y
Jean-Daniel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFG4_IEQ4gw&t=6s
AJ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU7-vbAbvIo
Meg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0W_OxAZLo8&t=12s
Ben: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1XWGw2Zy2I
Visit us
The University of Southern Maine Admissions team welcomes you to learn more about our university by visiting us on campus or via our virtual tour. We offer daily tours where you can see our campuses and experience all that USM has to offer. Schedule a visit today or visit virtually.
USM does offer a lot of resources, which I'm really grateful for.