Student Body ↓

About

About University of Southern Maine

health sciences focusaccessible admissionssmall class sizes

University of Southern Maine is a public university in Portland, ME, known for its health sciences focus, accessible admissions, and small class sizes. With an acceptance rate of 85%, USM is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 751 students each year. Admitted students typically score between 990–1237 on the SAT and 23–28 on the ACT. USM offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $8,873 per year; the sticker price of $37,819 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

University of Southern Maine acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

85%
Overall Accept Rate
3.25
Typical Admitted GPA
1114
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.00 – 3.50 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 990 – 1237

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ACTScore range: 23 – 28

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of Southern Maine

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Test Score Strategy
USM requires test scores, so make sure your SAT or ACT official scores are sent directly to USM before your application deadline. Do not wait until the last minute to request score reports from College Board or ACT, as processing can take several weeks.
Essay Strategy
USM values its role as a regional university serving the Portland and southern Maine community, so if your essays can speak to how you plan to engage with or contribute to this specific community, whether through internships, civic involvement, or career goals tied to Maine, you will stand out to admissions readers.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of Southern Maine actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$38k/yr$10.0k
30k-48k~$38k/yr$10.8k
48k-75k~$38k/yr$12.6k
75k-110k~$38k/yr$16.8k
110k+~$38k/yr$19.2k

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Personalize this page

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

46%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$47k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
4,362
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

75%White
9%Black / African American
5%Two or More Races
5%Hispanic
3%Asian
2%Unknown / Unreported
2%International
1%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender41% Men · 59% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status99% Citizens and Immigrants · 2% International
USM, Portland Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch