University of Southern Maine

What is the cost of studying for a year at University of Southern Maine?

For 2024-25, reported full-time undergraduate tuition and required fees totaled approximately $12,090 for Maine residents and $29,940 for out-of-state students. Those are published charges before financial aid, not a complete cost-of-attendance budget or a prediction of an individual bill.

• Maine-resident undergraduate tuition: $9,180; required fees: $2,910.
• Out-of-state undergraduate tuition: $27,030; required fees: $2,910.
• Reported annual room and board: $12,425 for the stated housing-and-meal estimate.
• Reported books and supplies: $1,000; transportation and personal expenses would add to a student's budget.

Combining those same-year figures gives about $25,515 for a resident living with the stated room-and-board allowance, or $43,365 for an out-of-state student, before transportation and personal expenses. A commuter's costs will differ. Charges can also change with enrollment level, program, housing choice, and academic year.

Financial aid changes the amount a student may ultimately pay. In 2024-25 reporting, 97% of students received some form of financial aid, while 35% had student loans; a loan must be repaid and is not a price reduction. The reported average net price for federally aided students from families earning $48,000 or less was $10,847. That is a group average, not a quoted price for every eligible applicant. Students should compare their own aid offer - including grants, scholarships, and borrowing - with USM's current cost-of-attendance budget.

What are the work-study opportunities at University of Southern Maine?

Students can seek part-time work at USM, including positions funded through Federal Work-Study for those who qualify. Work-Study is a form of need-based financial aid that permits eligible students to earn wages from an approved job; it is not a grant paid automatically into a student account.

Federal eligibility generally begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). An award does not itself place a student in a job, and earnings depend on hours worked and the position's pay. Other campus jobs may be open without a Work-Study award. Applicants should compare job descriptions, campus location, and weekly hours with their class schedule, especially if classes span Portland and Gorham.

USM also offers individual career counseling to undergraduates and opportunities for employer recruitment. Career advising can help with major exploration, applications, and internship planning, but an internship or employer event is different from paid student employment - and none of these services constitutes a verified job-placement outcome.