First Year Student Scholarships

Merit-Based Scholarships

Receipt of full award amount requires that applications for fall admission be received by February 1, unless otherwise specified. Consideration for these awards with lesser amounts given to all students who apply after February 1 but before June 1, unless otherwise specified. Scholarships are granted and renewable for four years (eight semesters), with full time enrollment, and a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.  All award amounts are for the academic year, payable in 50% installments during fall and spring semesters.

PDF overview of merit scholarships

Maine Residents

President's Scholar Award

• $4,000 per academic year by February 1st. 
• $3,500 per academic year after February 1st and by June 1st.

• Awarded to incoming first-year students who graduate in the top 10% of their class or with a 3.67 average on a 4.0 scale, and who attain a 1100 SAT (Critical Reading and Math only) or 24 ACT composite score.

Dirigo Scholar Award

• $3,000 per academic year by February 1st
• $2,500 per academic year after February 1st and by June 1st
  

• Awarded to incoming first-year students who graduate in the top 30% of their class or with a 3.0 average on a 4.0 scale, and who attain a 1000 SAT (Critical Reading and Math only) or 20 ACT composite score.

USM Scholar Award

• $2,000 per academic year by February 1st
• $1,500 per academic year after February 1st and by June 1st

• Awarded to incoming first-year students who graduate in the top 30% of their class or with a 3.0 average on a 4.0 scale, and who attain a 950 SAT (Critical Reading and Math only) or 20 ACT composite score.

Opportunity Scholar Award

• $2,500 per academic year by June 1st

• Awarded to incoming first-year students who are under-represented, who graduate in the top 30% of their class or with a 3.0 average on a 4.0 scale, and who attain a 950 SAT (Critical Reading and Math only) or 20 ACT composite score. (Under-represented is defined as student of color or ethnically diverse, or first-generation college student.)

Pathway Scholar Award

• $2,000 per academic year by June 1st

• Awarded to incoming first-year students who are under-represented, who graduate in the top 50% of their class or with a 3.0 average on a 4.0 scale, and who attain a 950 SAT (Critical Reading and Math only) or 20 ACT composite score. (Under-represented is defined as student of color or ethnically diverse, or first-generation college student.)

Creating Maine’s Future Presidential Scholarship

• $5,000 per academic year

• Awarded to incoming first-year students who are graduating from Maine high schools. Must be nominated by high school principal or guidance counselor. Recipients are chosen based on scholastic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and exceptional personal qualities.
• Attention Maine high school principals and guidance counselors: Download the official Creating Maine’s Future Presidential Scholarship nomination form.

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.

Charles J. Hoff Scholarship

• $3,000 per academic year

• Awarded to incoming first-year students from Maine high schools and transfer students from the Maine Community College System. Preference will be given to graduates of York High School, and transfers from York County Community College. Consideration will also be given to immigrants and refugees, students from single-parent homes, and students with developmental or other learning disabilities. This award is renewable for a minimum of 2 additional years. Recipients are chosen based on academic promise and financial need.
• Download the Charles J. Hoff scholarship application form.

USM Pioneers Program

• The USM Pioneers is a new science, technology, engineering, and math scholars program. The next group of ten Pioneers for Fall 2012 will receive a 4-year scholarship package covering tuition and fees, a laptop computer, undergraduate research opportunities, paid internships with exciting opportunities and companies, and select housing in a learning community environment. Pioneer applicants must be Maine high school students, admitted into one of the following USM “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) majors: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science, General Science, Geosciences, Industrial Technology, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Natural and Applied Sciences, Physics. Pioneers will be selected on the basis of their academic achievement, particularly in the areas of math and science.
• Download The USM Pioneers Program scholarship application form.
• For more information, please contact Michael Wing at mcwing@usm.maine.edu, or Kristina O'Brien at kobrien@usm.maine.edu, or visit the USM Pioneers Web site.

Non-Maine Residents

 President's Scholar Award

• $13,000 per academic year by February 1st. 
• $12,000 per academic year after February 1st and by June 1st.

• Awarded to incoming first-year students who graduate in the top 10% of their class or with a 3.67 average on a 4.0 scale, and who attain a 1100 SAT (Critical Reading and Math only) or 24 ACT composite score. To receive the full award amount, non-Maine residents must live on-campus for the first two years. Award amount will be reduced by $1,000 per semester if student elects to live off-campus.

Dirigo Scholar Award

• $11,000 per academic year by February 1st
• $10,000 per academic year after February 1st and by June 1st
  

• Awarded to incoming first-year students who graduate in the top 30% of their class or with a 3.0 average on a 4.0 scale, and who attain a 1000 SAT (Critical Reading and Math only) or 20 ACT composite score. To receive the full award amount, non-Maine residents must live on-campus for the first two years. Award amount will be reduced by $1,000 per semester if student elects to live off-campus.

USM Scholar Award

• $9,000 per academic year by February 1st
• $8,000 per academic year after February 1st and by June 1st

• Awarded to incoming first-year students who graduate in the top 30% of their class or with a 3.0 average on a 4.0 scale, and who attain a 950 SAT (Critical Reading and Math only) or 20 ACT composite score. To receive the full award amount, non-Maine residents must live on-campus for the first two years. Award amount will be reduced by $1,000 per semester if student elects to live off-campus.