University of Southern Maine

Non-profit

Private

Regional

In addition to its three campuses across southern Maine, the University of Southern Maine delivers fully online undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as business administration, leadership and organizational studies, adult and higher education, and instructional technology. Students can also select one of three online minors or seek one of 10 online certificates. USM offers on-campus programs in subjects such as biology, computer science, economics, and linguistics. Regardless of how they choose to study, USM students receive free access to tutoring, academic advising, career counseling, and research and writing assistance. Additionally, the university's Portland campus is home to the Maine School of Law, the only accredited law school in the state. Undergraduate applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, while graduate applicants need a bachelor's degree. Prospective students must also submit results from an entrance exam, such as the ACT, SAT, or GRE. On top of tuition discounts to residents of any New England state, USM offers more than $12M annually in merit- and need-based scholarships.

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Admissions Breakdown

Acceptance Rate Insight

9% of students were accepted during the 2020-2021 school year. Sometimes schools with midrange acceptance rates have higher standards of entry but are still accessible to many students who apply.

Retention Rate Insight

86% of full-time students stayed to continue their studies the following academic year. These students started in Fall 2019 and returned in Fall 2020.

Graduation Rate Insight

95% of students graduated out of all full-time, first-time students who began their studies in Fall 2014. Keep in mind many students who enroll are not typically first-time students, as most are adult learners. Therefore, the number of first-time students is traditionally low.

Application Considerations

Test scores:
Not required or recommended
High school transcript:
Required
High school rank:
Recommended
Letter of recommendation:
Required
High school GPA:
Recommended
Open admission:
No
Completion of college prep program:
Required
Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL):
Required

Transfer Credit Policy

Dual enrollment: Implied no

Advance placement (AP) credits: Yes

Credit for qualified life experience*: Implied no

*This can include previous jobs, trainings, licenses/credentials, or seminars. You may need to complete an exam or provide a portfolio to earn credit.

Learning Environment

Students enrolledInformation not availableOnline student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio

8:1

Student to faculty ratio

Degrees Awarded by Program

Degrees given for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Programs

Doc

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, And Gender Studies

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, And Group Studies

Biological And Biomedical Sciences

Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services

Education

English Language And Literature/Letters

Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics

History

Mathematics And Statistics

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Natural Resources And Conservation

Philosophy And Religious Studies

Physical Sciences

Psychology

Social Sciences

Visual And Performing Arts