Campus Vibe
Known for health sciences — excellent value
University of Southern Maine is a public institution in Portland with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1130, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 4.2K undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
46% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $49,958 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $11,729.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
University of Southern Maine Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1130
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Action
December 1
Decision by late December
Regular Decision
February 15
Decision by rolling
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
65.9%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,887
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
31
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (158)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
76%
- •76% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
After Graduation
Top Employers
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •It is now primarily a residence hall with some mixed academic usage on the first floor.
- •Evolving from Gorham Academy into an institution of higher education, USM originated in 1878 as Gorham Normal School, later called Gorham State Teachers College and then Gorham State College.
- •In 1970 that institution merged with the University of Maine at Portland (previously Portland Junior College) and became the University of Maine at Portland-Gorham.
- •The name was changed to University of Southern Maine in 1978.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Three campuses in Greater Portland area; shuttle service available
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Nearby Attractions
Portland Old Portwalkable
Historic waterfront district with cobblestone streets, restaurants, and shops
Casco Bay Islands
Ferry accessible islands for hiking and exploring
Portland Museum of Artwalkable
Maine's largest art museum
Eastern Promenadewalkable
Waterfront park with trails and views of Casco Bay
Victoria Mansionwalkable
Historic house museum showcasing Victorian architecture
Transfer Admission
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
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