In the 2024-2025 academic year, the University of Southern Maine (USM) will standardize our tuition rates with a structure called differential tuition. With differential tuition, in-person and blended majors will be categorized into three levels. Online programs will continue to charge e-tuition.
Tuition rates will vary based on several factors: your primary major, residency status (in-state, out-of-state, or Canadian), and mode of study (in-person, blended, or fully online).
The full cost of your education includes tuition, fees, and other costs. In the sections below, you can view estimates of tuition and fees for 2024-2025. After the University of Maine System Board of Trustees approves tuition and fees in late May, you can visit Undergraduate Tuition & Fees for the final rates, and other estimated costs such as books, housing, and meals.
Majors and programs in Differential Level 1 (Standard rate)
- All other majors
- Communication*
- Criminology
- Economics
- Elementary Education
- English major and Secondary Teacher Education Track
- Environmental Planning and Policy
- Environmental Science major and Secondary Teacher Education Track
- Exercise Science
- Geography-Anthropology: All concentrations and Secondary Teacher Education Track
- Health Sciences
- History major and History/Social Studies Secondary Teacher Education Track
- Information Technology
- Leadership and Organizational Studies: Major and all concentrations*
- Liberal Studies-Humanities*
- Linguistics: All concentrations and Teacher Education Tracks
- Mathematics: All concentrations and Secondary Teacher Education Track
- Media Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science: Major and all concentrations
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Self-Designed STEM Major — Elementary Teacher Education Track
- Social and Behavioral Sciences* — Counseling Concentration & Public Health Concentration
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Technology Management
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Tourism and Hospitality: Major and all concentrations
- Women and Gender Studies
- Undeclared majors
- Individual courses for non-degree students (also known as non-matriculated students)
- Certificate programs
Differential Level 1 (Standard rate) Estimated tuition & fees
| Tuition & fees | In-state / Canadian | Out-of-state | New England RSP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $306 | $901 | $536 |
| Mandatory fees* | $97 | $97 | $97 |
| Total tuition & fees per credit | $403 | $998 | $633 |
| Total tuition & fees per year (based on 30 credit hours) | $12,090 | $29,940 | $18,990 |
* Mandatory fees include the Comprehensive, Technology, and Student Activity Fees. Visit Undergraduate Tuition & Fees for full list of fees.
About the New England Regional Student Program (RSP)
New England residents may be eligible to enroll in certain degree programs at a special reduced tuition rate. Learn more and browse RSP majors.
Majors in Differential Level 2
- Art:
- Art
- Art and Entrepreneurial Studies Concentration
- Art History Concentration
- Art Education
- Studio Art
- Biochemistry
- Biology:
- Biology
- Biotechnology Concentration
- Human Biology Concentration
- Biology Major — Secondary Teacher Education Track (6-12)
- Chemistry:
- Chemistry (BA & BS)
- Chemistry Major — Secondary Teacher Education Track (6-12)
- Physics Major and Secondary Teacher Education Track
- Theatre
Differential Level 2 Estimated tuition & fees
| Tuition & fees | In-state / Canadian | Out-of-state | New England RSP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition per credit hour | $325 | $956 | $569 |
| Mandatory fees per credit hour* | $97 | $97 | $97 |
| Total tuition & fees per credit hour | $422 | $1,053 | $666 |
| Total tuition & fees per year (based on 30 credit hours) | $12,660 | $31,590 | $19,980 |
* Mandatory fees include the Comprehensive, Technology, and Student Activity Fees. Visit Undergraduate Tuition & Fees for full list of fees.
About the New England Regional Student Program (RSP)
New England residents may be eligible to enroll in certain degree programs at a special reduced tuition rate. Learn more and browse RSP majors.
Majors in Differential Level 3
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Engineering:
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Osher School of Music:
- Music
- Music Education
- Music Performance
- Music Performance concentrations in Composition, Jazz Studies, Musical Theatre, Piano Pedagogy
- School of Business:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing*
- Sport & Esports Management
- School of Nursing:
- Nursing — Accelerated Program
- Nursing — RN to Bachelor of Science Degree
- Nursing — Traditional Program
Differential Level 3 Estimated tuition & fees
| Tuition & fees | In-state / Canadian | Out-of-state | New England RSP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition per credit | $343 | $1,010 | $601 |
| Mandatory fees per credit* | $97 | $97 | $97 |
| Total tuition & fees per credit | $440 | $1,107 | $698 |
| Total tuition & fees per year (based on 30 credit hours) | $13,200 | $33,210 | $20,940 |
* Mandatory fees include the Comprehensive, Technology, and Student Activity Fees. Visit Undergraduate Tuition & Fees for full list of fees.
About the New England Regional Student Program (RSP)
New England residents may be eligible to enroll in certain degree programs at a special reduced tuition rate. Learn more and browse RSP majors.
Estimated e-tuition & fees
All students studying in fully online programs are eligible for e-tuition.
| Tuition & fees | In-state, Out-of-state, & Canadian |
|---|---|
| E-tuition | $343 |
| Mandatory Fees** | $97 |
| Total tuition & fees per credit hour | $440 |
| Total tuition & fees per year (based on 30 credit hours) | $13,200 |
*Mandatory fees include the Comprehensive, Technology, and Student Activity Fees. Visit Undergraduate Tuition & Fees to view the full list of fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Differential tuition is used to balance the expense of offering higher-cost academic programs.
Majors are categorized by program costs into three tuition levels, and each level is charged a different tuition rate. These are Differential Level 1 (Standard rate), Differential Level 2, and Differential Level 3.
Students enrolled in certificate programs, non-matriculated students taking individual courses, and undeclared majors are charged the standard rate of Differential Level 1.
Fully online programs will not charge differential tuition. Students enrolled in online programs are eligible for our e-tuition rate.
The tuition rates provided on this page are estimates. In May, the University of Maine System Board of Trustees will approve the final tuition rates. The final 2024-2025 tuition rates go into effect starting with Fall 2024 courses.
Fully online programs will not charge differential tuition. Students enrolled in online programs are eligible for the e-tuition rate. See Online program e-tuition for the estimated 2024-2025 rate.
You can log in to MaineStreet to check your primary major. Go to MaineStreet Classic Student Center and select Academic Summary on the left. Your list of majors will be presented. The first major listed is your primary major.
You will be charged the tuition rate for your primary major, per the differential tuition levels listed above. If you need assistance with locating your major, connect with your advisor or the Office of Registration & Scheduling Services. If you have questions about differential tuition contact Student Financial Services.
Matriculated students who have not yet declared a major will be charged the standard tuition rate of Differential Level 1
The deadline to request a change of major or to declare your major is the same as the Add/Drop deadline each semester. After the Add/Drop deadline, tuition charges for the semester are set based on your primary major.
Non-matriculated students (also known as non-degree students) who are taking individual courses will be charged the standard tuition rate of Differential Level 1.
Students enrolled in certificate programs will be charged the standard tuition rate of Differential Level 1.
Questions?
We’re here to help! Contact our knowledgeable Student Financial Services team.
The Chancellor recommends tuition, fee, and room and board rates for approval by the Board of Trustees each year, and they become effective after the summer term. The Board may alter these rates at its discretion.