University of Southern Maine

Costs and Financial Aid

Your college education is one of the most important investments you will make. Our Financial Aid Office offers a variety of programs to make a USM education within reach of every eligible student. Grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and educational loans totaling more than $35 million are available each year to assist eligible students. More than 75 percent of our students receive financial assistance through these programs, with each receiving an average financial aid package of close to $7,300.

In addition, USM offers several different payment plan options, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover) may also be used.

Download more information about costs, financial aid and scholarships.

Need some help planning, preparing, and paying for your college education? Visit www.college.gov.

COSTS TO ATTEND USM

Estimated Cost of Attendance
One Year of Full-time Undergraduate Enrollment
2008-2009

	Maine Residents	Out-of-State Residents	Canadian Residents/New England Regional Program***
Tuition*	$6,540	$18,060	$9,810
Mandatory Fees	$1,184	$1,184	$1,184
Total Tuition and Fees Only	$7,724	$19,244	$10,994
Other Expenses
Room & Board**	$8,344	$8,344	$8,344
Books & Supplies	$920	$920	$920
Estimated Total Cost of Attendance	$16,988	$28,508	$20,258

*Tuition costs are based on enrollment in 30 credit hours per year.

**Room and board costs may vary depending upon room assignment.

***The New England Regional Program (NERP) enables New England residents to enroll in out-of-state public colleges and universities (in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) at a special reduced tuition rate for certain degree programs that are not offered by their home-state public institutions. High school guidance offices have more information about this program. Find out more about which NERP programs are eligible at USM.

For graduate tuition rates, visit the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Eligibility

To determining your need for financial aid, USM includes not only tuition, books, and fees, but also room and board, transportation, medical and dental expenses, and personal expenses. Child care expenses also are included when documented. To be eligible for financial aid, you must meet the following general eligibility requirements:

be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
be admitted to a USM degree program
register for at least six credit hours each semester (some students may be eligible for Pell grants while enrolled for less than six credits)
show financial need
make satisfactory academic progress
not be in default on repayment of a student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant.

North American Indian Tuition Waiver & Scholarship Program

The Waiver/Scholarship Program of the University of Maine System has been established to encourage eligible Native Americans to pursue higher education in Maine. The tuition waiver program covers the cost of tuition and mandatory fees. The scholarship program covers the cost of room and board on campus, at the double room rate. If you are interested, please contact Multicultural Student Affairs at 207-780-4006 or . More information can be found at: www.usm.maine.edu/ eeo/culture/nai.html