About University of Southern Maine
The University of Southern Maine offers nearly 300 majors, minors, and programs, providing diverse academic opportunities. USM Online features rigorous career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs designed for busy individuals. Whether returning after a break or aiming to advance their careers, online programs offer flexibility and support for adult learners.
USM Online empowers learners to enhance their careers through targeted education.
USM values life experiences and personal goals, assisting students on their academic journey. With the university’s online platform, students can choose from asynchronous and synchronous learning for their convenience.
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Accreditation & Licensing
University of Southern Maine is accredited by:
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
2,735Fully Online Graduate Students:
56%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$19,060Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
60%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$9,805Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesUSM works best when you start with a clear plan to finish. It is a strong fit for students who have chosen a major early. When you map your classes from the start, it is easier to stay on track each term.
Course schedules offer flexibility for working adults and busy students. At the same time, steady progress takes focus and good time management. The school’s structure supports students who can keep a regular routine.
USM’s annual tuition is $27,944, which is a practical cost for a public university. Financial aid can lower that cost and ease pressure on your timeline. Programs are built with career goals in mind, so your time in school can lead to clear next steps.
At the University of Southern Maine, support often starts with people. Professors are known for one-on-one help and clear feedback. Staff members also step in to help when needed. That personal contact can make daily schoolwork easier to manage.
Students tend to have the best experience when they connect early. Reaching out at the start helps keep classes on track. Support is available across the school, though it can vary by class or office. Even so, USM offers real, hands-on help from faculty and staff.
USM offers both asynchronous and synchronous online classes. Course schedules are flexible. That structure helps adults balance school and life. It also fits commuters and working students.
Online pace works best with steady habits. Class registration and question response can feel slow at times. Instructors and staff are still central to support. The format rewards students who plan ahead and stay organized each term.
At USM, classes feel practical and focused on real goals. Intro classes can be large, but upper-level classes are usually smaller. As students move forward, they often get more direct time with professors.
Teaching here feels grounded and clear. The focus is useful coursework with clear expectations, not status. Professors are a big part of daily learning and are often open to extra help on hard topics.
Coursework connects to real life and career plans. The pace works best for students who stay organized and focused in their major. Overall, USM offers hands-on learning with strong access to faculty.
The University of Southern Maine is a practical public school with a clear focus on students. Professors are often easy to reach. Many give one-on-one help and useful feedback. That kind of support can make day-to-day classes feel more personal and steady.
USM also offers good value. Cost and financial aid can make a degree easier to manage. Flexible schedules help students balance school, work, and home life. Students with a clear major and plan often keep moving toward graduation.
Support is available across the university, though class experience can differ by program. Some courses feel more active and connected than others. Overall, USM is a strong fit for independent students who want an affordable, career-focused education.
The University of Southern Maine is a practical public school with a clear focus on students. Professors are often easy to reach. Many give one-on-one help and useful feedback. That kind of support can make day-to-day classes feel more personal and steady.
USM also offers good value. Cost and financial aid can make a degree easier to manage. Flexible schedules help students balance school, work, and home life. Students with a clear major and plan often keep moving toward graduation.
Support is available across the university, though class experience can differ by program. Some courses feel more active and connected than others. Overall, USM is a strong fit for independent students who want an affordable, career-focused education.
Online Programs offered by University of Southern Maine
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Frequently Asked Questions About University of Southern Maine
Is University of Southern Maine accredited?
Yes. University of Southern Maine is institutionally accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
How many online programs does University of Southern Maine offer?
University of Southern Maine offers 24 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of Southern Maine offer?
University of Southern Maine offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at University of Southern Maine?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of Southern Maine expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of Southern Maine falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of Southern Maine?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask University of Southern Maine first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most University of Southern Maine programs require?
Most listed programs require at least a 2.5 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.5 to 3.0.
Is University of Southern Maine military friendly?
University of Southern Maine shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from University of Southern Maine through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for University of Southern Maine applications?
Most listed programs ask for Resume/CV, Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of Southern Maine accept life experience credit?
University of Southern Maine does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are University of Southern Maine programs fully online or mixed?
University of Southern Maine includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does University of Southern Maine offer?
University of Southern Maine has online program options in areas such as Business, Education, Psychology & Human Services, and Criminal Justice, Safety & Law; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any University of Southern Maine programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); AACSB International (AACSB).
Are any admission tests required for University of Southern Maine programs?
Some listed programs include GRE requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of Southern Maine?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any University of Southern Maine programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at University of Southern Maine?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of Southern Maine, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of Southern Maine programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
University of Southern Maine is featured in 15 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
University of Southern Maine is located in Maine
Maine at a Glance:
Top Majors in Maine:
Top Incentives in Maine:
- State of Maine Grant: Up to $1,500 annually
Top Career Pathways in Maine:
- Entry Level: Marine Researcher ($45,000)
- Mid Level: Research Manager ($75,000)
- Senior Level: Research Director ($120,000+)
- Required Education: BS Marine Biology
- Certifications: Research Diving, Vessel Operations