University of Southern Maine: 85.4% Acceptance Rate

85.4%Acceptance

$10,920Tuition

4,245Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$49,958Earnings

#14 in MainePublic4-yearNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Southern Maine

This full public university has produced bestselling author Stephen King and former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe among its 4,245 students. The campus sits in Portland's active arts district, known for strong programs in health sciences, education, and business. Students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. The university draws primarily from Maine, with 78.59% of students coming from in-state.

The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students pay an average net price of $11,729 after aid, making this one of Maine's most affordable four-year options. Low-income families pay just $7,226 annually, while even higher-income families rarely pay more than $17,346. Graduates earn a median of $49,958 ten years after graduation, carrying typical debt of just $19,060. Monthly loan payments average $202, manageable given the employment rate of 96.5%.

The student body skews female at 59.46%, creating a collaborative campus culture. Students compete as Division III Huskies across 18 varsity sports without athletic scholarships. The 46.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's role serving many first-generation college students who often work while studying. Three-quarters of students return for sophomore year, suggesting most find their academic footing.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Southern Maine operates as a full public university with notable strength in health sciences, education, and business programs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 46% six-year graduation rate suggests students face real challenges completing their degrees. Health sciences programs attract many students preparing for careers in Maine's growing healthcare sector. The education school has deep ties to local school districts for student teaching placements. Business programs emphasize practical skills for Maine's economy. With 85% of students gaining admission, USM serves as an accessible option for Maine residents seeking a broad university experience without the pressure of highly selective admissions.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 40.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 44.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 46.3%
Retention Rate: 75.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,958
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$95,169
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$64,493
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$61,728
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$58,673
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$57,422
Law.	Doctoral	$55,594
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$54,869
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$51,690
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$50,231
Public Policy Analysis.	Master	$49,644

View all 158 programs →

Campus Life

USM's Portland campus sits in Maine's largest city, where 4,245 students navigate between urban internships and outdoor adventures. With housing for just 1,760 students, most Huskies live off-campus in Portland's affordable neighborhoods or commute from nearby towns. The 78.59% in-state student body creates a tight-knit community where everyone seems to know someone from high school.

Portland's food scene and Old Port district provide weekend entertainment beyond the 18 Division III sports teams. Students need serious winter gear for Maine's long, snowy seasons that stretch from November through March. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, especially in popular programs like nursing and education. Many students work part-time jobs in Portland's thriving healthcare and tourism industries. The campus blends commuter school practicality with small college community feel. Stephen King famously got his start here, and the creative writing program still draws aspiring authors. Weekend activities range from hiking nearby Casco Bay islands to exploring Portland's craft brewery scene.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 1,760 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1878

Campus Safety (2023)

58 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Rape	10	10	1
Dating Violence	6	6	0
Fondling	6	6	0
Arson	3	3	0
Domestic Violence	2	2	0
Robbery	0	0	2
Stalking	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 15°–32°F
July Avg: 61°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.1"
Annual Snowfall: 68.7"

Student Demographics

The University of Southern Maine draws primarily from local communities, with nearly four out of five students calling Maine home. This reflects the university's role as an accessible public option for state residents seeking affordable higher education. Women outnumber men , which aligns with USM's strong programs in health sciences, education, and social work, fields that traditionally attract more female students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, demonstrating the school's commitment to serving working-class Maine families who value practical, career-focused degrees close to home.

Men: 40.5%
Women: 59.5%
White: 75.9%
Black: 8.1%
Hispanic: 4.6%
Asian: 2.7%
In-State Students: 78.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.3%

Location

The University of Southern Maine sits in Portland, Maine's largest city with about 68,000 residents. Portland lies roughly 100 miles north of Boston, making it accessible but distinct from major metropolitan areas. The coastal city blends urban amenities with New England charm, known for its thriving food scene and historic Old Port district. Students experience a genuine city environment rather than a traditional college town atmosphere. The campus serves 4,245 students in a setting where lobster boats dock minutes from downtown galleries and breweries. With 78.59% of students coming from in-state, the university maintains strong Maine roots while drawing others to experience authentic coastal New England culture. Students considering colleges in Maine may also compare University of Southern Maine with similar schools in the region.

Address: Portland, Maine 04103

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $49,958
Median Earnings (5 years): $56,117
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $35,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 65.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $202/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,060

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Southern Maine?

University of Southern Maine accepts 85.43% of applicants, making it an accessible option for many students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 998 and 1220 on the SAT. This public university has built its reputation on providing educational opportunities to Maine residents and beyond.

How much does University of Southern Maine cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,729 after aid, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families (under $30,000) pay just $7,226 on average. The university keeps education affordable for Maine residents with in-state tuition of $10,920.

What academic programs is University of Southern Maine known for?

The university offers strong programs in health sciences, education, and business across its comprehensive curriculum. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio among 4,245 enrolled students, classes remain relatively small. The school has built particular strength in preparing teachers and healthcare professionals for Maine communities.

What are the graduation rates at University of Southern Maine?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 44.20%, with the six-year rate reaching 46.30%. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,958 ten years after graduation. The university focuses on serving working students and non-traditional learners, which influences these completion timelines.

Where is University of Southern Maine located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Portland, Maine's largest city, providing urban opportunities in a manageable small-city setting. Housing capacity serves 1,760 students out of the total enrollment of 4,245. Students can participate in 18 varsity sports as NCAA Division III Huskies, with 427 total athletes competing without athletic scholarships.

Is University of Southern Maine connected to any famous alumni?

The university counts bestselling author Stephen King and former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe among its notable graduates. Founded in 1878, the institution has deep roots in Maine's educational and cultural landscape. These accomplished alumni reflect the university's role in developing leaders who impact both Maine and the broader world.