University of Southern Maine
About University of Southern Maine
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
The University of Southern Maine is a public university in Portland, Maine. It offers programs in nursing, business, social work, and the sciences and is the most urban campus in the University of Maine system.
Founded
1878
Location
Portland, Maine
Students
6,301
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
79.2%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
40.4%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$11,284
Out-of-state: $27,944
Avg Net Price
$13,596
After financial aid
SAT Average
1116
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$49,958
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Required
Application Fee
Free
Early
Dec 1
Regular
Aug 15
University of Southern Maine accepts the majority of applicants at 79.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1116/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
40.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
73.9%
4-Year Grad
20%
6-Year Grad
34%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
39.9%
$/Student
$10.1K
Class Size
Medium
The 20% graduation rate is below average, but 73.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,284
In-State
$27,944
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,280
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$23,717
After Financial Aid
$13,596
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,999
Receive Grants
28.3%
Take Loans
34.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $23,717/yr for in-state students, including $12,280 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $13,596. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $27,944.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Southern Maine fund their education.
While in School
28.3%
Get Grants
Free money
34.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$35,814
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,060
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$202/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 34.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,060. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Southern Maine.
Gender
58.7%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,222
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,079
Graduates
32.8%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
19.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 32.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
4,222
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Southern Maine fields 12 varsity teams with 609 student athletes, about 14% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
Little East
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
609
14% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
337
Men
272
Women
9
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Southern Maineearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$49,958
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$72K
168 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$48K
96 grads
1yr Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
$38K
69 grads
1yr Earnings
Social Sciences, Other
$35K
59 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$34K
56 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$36K
51 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $47K six years out, growing to $50K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Southern Maine
What is the acceptance rate at University of Southern Maine?▾
How much does University of Southern Maine cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Southern Maine?▾
How much do University of Southern Maine graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.