
P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104, USA


The University of Southern Maine holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), ensuring that its academic programs meet established standards of quality and rigor recognized across the United States. This accreditation supports the transferability of credits and the acceptance of degrees by employers and graduate schools.
Additionally, several of the university's individual programs have received specialized accreditation from professional bodies that oversee quality within specific fields. These accreditations demonstrate that particular programs adhere to the standards required for professional practice and licensure in disciplines such as nursing, education, and business.
Prospective students should consider these accreditations as important indicators of academic credibility and professional readiness when evaluating the university as an option for their higher education.
Admission to the University of Southern Maine involves several requirements designed to evaluate applicants comprehensively. Prospective students must submit their secondary school records and recommendations as part of the application process. Although a specific high school GPA is recommended, there is no strict cut-off, and rank information is not required. Applicants are also expected to provide admission test scores, including the TOEFL for non-native English speakers. While other standardized tests are recommended, they are not mandatory.
The university does not follow an open admission policy, and credit transfer is permitted, including the acceptance of Advanced Placement (AP) credits. Dual credit options are not available, and although students do not need to supply their own computer, computer leasing is an option offered by the institution.
The average SAT score at the University of Southern Maine stands at 1113, placing it within the bottom 40% nationally, with specific section averages of 543 in math and 570 in writing. The mean ACT score is 22, which ranks in the lower 30% percentile range. Test score distributions indicate that a majority of enrolling students scored between 17 and 29 on the ACT. The university demonstrates a relatively high acceptance rate of 79%, which ranks in the top 40% nationwide.
The University of Southern Maine requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admission materials. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the university provides fee waivers under certain conditions to ensure that the application process remains accessible to students facing financial barriers.
Applicants who demonstrate economic hardship may request a waiver by submitting appropriate documentation as part of their application. Additionally, fee waivers are often available for students who participate in designated programs or meet specific eligibility criteria set by the university. These measures aim to support a diverse range of applicants by reducing the financial burden of applying.
The University of Southern Maine does not host any ROTC branch units on its campus nor does it serve as a cooperating host institution for ROTC programs. Prospective students interested in participating in ROTC programs would need to seek opportunities through other colleges or universities that offer these military training programs directly.
Transfer applicants considering the University of Southern Maine should be aware that the admissions process is moderately difficult. Specific details regarding the acceptance of transfer credits, including Advanced Placement such as CLEP or DANTES exams, have not been disclosed by the institution. Additionally, information on transfer availability for any academic term is not currently provided.
University of Southern Maine offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. These programs include semester-long exchanges, summer study options, and short-term faculty-led trips that allow participants to immerse themselves in different international environments while earning academic credit. The university collaborates with partner institutions worldwide, enabling students to engage in diverse fields of study such as business, environmental science, and liberal arts.
Students can select from programs that emphasize language acquisition, cultural exploration, or professional development, depending on their academic goals. Additionally, the university provides support services to assist with planning, financial aid, and credit transfer, ensuring that students can navigate the logistics of studying abroad effectively. This comprehensive approach aims to facilitate meaningful international experiences that complement students' degree programs and personal growth.
Median composite SAT score
1113Median composite ACT score
22Percent of students submitting ACT scores
1%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
12%Computer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RecommendedSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RequiredTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
Data not availablePossible transfer
Data not available