Other Scholarships

There are a few additional scholarships managed by Undergraduate Admission. These include International Merit Scholarships and the Osher Reentry Scholarship. More information regarding these scholarships is available below. View the complete list of all the scholarships administered by the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

International Student Merit Scholarship (half or full tuition)

This half or full tuition scholarship is available to a limited number of international students, chosen by committee, who meet the following criteria:

• Meet and maintain all eligibility criteria required of international students studying in the United States under the terms of an F-1 student visa.
• Continuous, full-time enrollment (fall and spring semesters, at least 12 credit hours—15 credit hours recommended) for the duration of F-1 student status, estimated to be 4 years.
• Maintenance of a cumulative grade point average of 2.67 for the first year and 3.0 for each academic year there after.
• Maintain sufficient academic progress toward chosen program of study

Osher Reentry Scholars Fund

ANNOUNCEMENT:  At this time, we are accepting applications for both new and renewal applicants for Spring 2013. Please read the application criteria carefully to determine if you are eligible to apply.

Osher Reentry Scholars Fund (PDF)

The Osher Reentry Scholars Fund was established at the University of Southern Maine by the Bernard Osher Foundation. This scholarship is available to all students who are matriculated in their first USM baccalaureate degree and who meet the following criteria:

• Must have matriculated within the last 12 months
• Must be registered for at least six credits for each semester of receipt
• Must be an undergraduate reentry student who has experienced a gap of five or more years in pursuit of his or her education and who can look forward to a significant number of years of workforce participation after completion of the baccalaureate degree.

Renewal Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2013.

For more information, please contact Undergraduate Admission at (207)780-5670.

Community Banks Scholarship

• $1,000 per academic year

• This scholarship was established at the University of Southern Maine in 2010 with initial pledges from Androscoggin Bank, Auburn Savings Bank and Mechanics Savings Bank to match gifts from the citizens of the Androscoggin County. The recipient must be a part-time or full-time incoming freshman or transfer student from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, who is a resident of Androscoggin County pursuing his/her first baccalaureate degree in an LAC major and has a demonstrated financial need (FAFSA). Incoming freshman must have a B average from high school. Transfer students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Recipient will be expected to participate in events and activities at LAC and represent LAC in the community.
• Download the Community Banks Scholarship Application Form

For more information, please contact Jim Bradley at (207)753-6618 or jbradley@usm.maine.edu.

Scholarships By Department

Most scholarships for current USM students are managed through the Student Success Centers. There are a variety of general scholarships available for current students. Several departments within the University are also able to award scholarships. If you are a current student and want more information about scholarships, view the Scholarships and Finances page available at the Student Success Center.

Leadership Development Scholarship in Honors  (for USM Honors Program Students)

This renewable scholarship provides continuing support for USM Honors Program students who supplement their major course of study with this academically rigorous and tight-knit learning community.

For more information about the Praxis Award or Honors Program, please contact Beth Round at (207) 780-4189 or bround@usm.maine.edu.

Scholarship Eligibility when participating in an Exchange Program

Students who participate in reciprocal international exchange programs will still be eligible to receive their merit scholarships. A reciprocal exchange program is one in which students continue to pay USM tuition and fees. A list of these programs can be found at: www.usm.maine.edu/international/studyaway.htm.
Continuing Eligibility requirements still apply during the semester(s) the student participates in the reciprocal exchange program. Merit scholars may complete their volunteer hours while away, or may wait until their return to USM.

Students who participate in non-reciprocal international or national exchange programs will not be eligible to receive these scholarship funds while away. However, several scholarships are offered for students participating in exchange programs. Once students have returned to full-time enrollment status in USM courses, they will regain their eligibility status for these scholarships as long as they meet the other continuing eligibility requirements.

Removal of Scholarship Funds

At the conclusion of each semester's Add/Drop Period, the Office of Student Financial Aid will remove scholarship funds for those students who are not registered for at least 12 credit hours.

At the completion of the academic year, the Office of Student Financial Aid removes scholarship funds for those students whose cumulative grade point average is below the scholarship's requirement.