University of Southern Maine
Portland, Maine 04103
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
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
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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
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
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.
Financial Aid
Debt & Aid Detail
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
66.0%
Median Debt at Grad
$12,887
Academics
Programs (158)
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
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
76%
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from ME state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Three campuses in Greater Portland area; shuttle service available
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
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