University of Southern Maine
Portland, United States • Founded 1878 • World Rank #3929
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Founded in 1878, the University of Southern Maine is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Portland (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Maine.
This institution also has a branch campus in Gorham and Lewiston. Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, University of Southern Maine (USM) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
University of Southern Maine (USM) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 146-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. USM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to mail, call, or visit University of Southern Maine? Address, phone, and digital contact options below. Religious and cultural accommodation queries route through specific student services.
Academic Details
University of Southern Maine's academic profile in numbers — useful for sizing the institution against your shortlist. Each figure links to a different facet of how the institution operates day to day.
Academic Structures
University of Southern Maine's academic units, organised by type. Recently formed faculties (post-merger or post-split) often have updated curricula and may carry less institutional history than older units.
Unit 5 items
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Education and Human Development
- College of Nursing and Health Professions
- School of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology
- School of Business
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes University of Southern Maine offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.
148 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 53 programmes
Showing 10 of 53.
Master's Degree 30 programmes
Showing 10 of 30.
Doctorate 5 programmes
Professional Doctorate 1 programme
Associate's Degree 2 programmes
Certificate 22 programmes
Showing 10 of 22.
Postgraduate Certificate 35 programmes
Showing 10 of 35.
How to apply to University of Southern Maine
How to apply to University of Southern Maine — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of Southern Maine offers 148 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at University of Southern Maine has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit your application
Apply directly via University of Southern Maine's online portal at usm.maine.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (800) 800 4876. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Southern Maine
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about University of Southern Maine, drawn directly from institutional records.
When was University of Southern Maine founded?
University of Southern Maine was established in 1878 (approximately 148 years ago).
Where is University of Southern Maine located?
University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, United States.
Is University of Southern Maine a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at University of Southern Maine?
Student enrolment at University of Southern Maine is around 7,000-7,999.
Where does University of Southern Maine stand in university rankings?
University of Southern Maine is ranked #3929 globally and #418 in United States.
What is University of Southern Maine's academic structure?
University of Southern Maine is organised into 5 academic units across its disciplines.
Is University of Southern Maine accredited?
Yes, University of Southern Maine is recognised by New England Commission of Higher Education.
How do I find University of Southern Maine online?
University of Southern Maine's official website is usm.maine.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below University of Southern Maine overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Membership renewal cycles for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) create periodic quality reviews. Recent renewals or admissions to the network signal currency of standards — older memberships may need re-examination.
Faculties at nearby universities
Alumni networks within a region often outlast individual institutional choice. Universities near University of Southern Maine share post-grad employer connections that benefit students from any of them.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Interested in Education & Teaching but want alternatives to University of Southern Maine? These institutions in the United States also offer programmes in this field, each with their own specialisations and admissions paths. Comparing the curriculum across schools often surfaces differences worth weighing.
Universities Compared with University of Southern Maine
Universities at a similar tier to University of Southern Maine appear below, useful for cross-comparison on academic credentials. Comparable institutions often share faculty mobility patterns and external recognition signals.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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