Explore financial aid opportunities you don’t have to repay later

There are many different types of scholarships with a broad range of eligibility requirements. Some scholarships can be awarded automatically when you apply for admission based on your prior academic performance while others may require a separate application or even a nomination from faculty. You can explore scholarships by student type, special interest, or affiliation.

Find scholarships by student type

  • Select Student Type

  • General Area of Study

  • Graduate Area of Study

Scholarships
Scholarship General Eligibility Award Deadline
President’s Scholar Award
  • Merit Scholarship
  • All qualified incoming first-year students are automatically considered
  • 3.5 and above GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
 Award: Annual range $4,000 to $11,000 Deadline: April 1
Dirigo Scholar Award
  • Merit Scholarship
  • 3.0 – 3.49 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
 Award: Annual range $2,000 to $10,000 Deadline: April 1
USM Scholar Award
  • Merit Scholarship
  • 2.75 – 2.99 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
 Award: Annual range $1,000 to $7,000 Deadline: April 1
USM First Year Residence Hall Scholarship
  • Must indicate housing interest at time of admission.
  • Students must take a minimum of 12 credits during Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Scholarship eligibility requires living on campus.
 Award: $1,000 Deadline: April 1
Mountains to the Sea Scholarship
  • Residents of New Hampshire or Vermont
  • Completed USM application and FAFSA
  • Full-time student with at least 12 credits per semester
  • Cannot be combined with other Merit Scholarships
 Award: Annual award amount of $2,000 to $4,000 Deadline: April 1
Anne Randolph Henry Scholarship
  • Music Major
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA appropriate to career level
  • Enrolled full time. (12 cr. Undergraduate; 6 cr. Graduate)
  • Enrolled in applied music and appropriate ensembles
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Christopher ’04 and Lavinia ’04 Gelineau Memorial Scholarship
  • Cybersecurity, Information Technology, English or Foreign Languages major
  • Preference may be given to students who are serving in the Maine National Guard,
  • a resident of Maine or Vermont,
  • an immigrant who aspires to US citizenship, and,
  • a meaningful experience that may be external to USM.
 Award: $1,000 or as funds are available Deadline: June 1
Churchill Family Music Scholarship
  • Music major - vocal
  • Enrolled full time. (12 cr. Ugrd; 6 cr. Grad)
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA (2.67 Ugrd; 3.00 Grad)
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Dr. and Mrs. Newell A. Augur, Jr. Scholarship
  • Music major
  • Maine State resident preferred
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA. ( 2.67 Undergraduate; 3.00 Graduate)
  • Enrolled full time. (12 cr. Undergraduate; 6 cr. Graduate)
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Edith Speziali Music Scholarship
  • Music major
  • Enrolled full time (12 cr. Ugrd; 6 cr. Grad)
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA ( 2.67 Ugrd; 3.00 Grad)
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Elizabeth S. Hagar Endowed Music Scholarship
  • Music major.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67
  • Enroll in applied music and appropriate ensembles.
  • Enrolled full time
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Ellen Chickering Music Scholarship
  • Music Vocal Major
  • Enrolled full time
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67 (Ugrd); 3.00 (Grad)
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Helen Heel Music Scholarship
  • Music Major
  • Enrolled full time. (12 cr. Ugrd; 6 cr. Grad)
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA (2.67 Ugrd; 3.00 Grad)
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Herbert & Sally Carroll Payson Scholarship
  • Music Major
  • Enrolled full time (12 cr. Ugrd; 6 cr. Grad)
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67 (Ugrd); 3.00 (Grad)
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Honors Leadership Development Scholarship
  • Honors Minor
  • Minimum of 3.5 GPA
  • Currently enrolled in Honors classes
 Award: $1,000 per semester Deadline: Priority Deadline November 1st
Jerry Bowder Scholarship
  • Music Major
  • Enrolled full time
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67 (Ugrd); 3.00 (Grad)
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Madeleine D. Giguère Scholarship
  • USM degree student (Graduate or Undergraduate)
  • Must express interest in Franco-American community
  • Enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits per semester
 Award: Varies Deadline: May 1
Music Merit Scholarship
  • Music major
  • Enrolled full time (12 cr. Ugrd; 6 cr. Grad)
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA (2.67 Ugrd; 3.00 Grad)
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Music Talent Scholarship
  • Music major
  • Enrolled full time. (12 cr. Ugrd; 6 cr. Grad)
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA (2.67 Ugrd; 3.00 Grad)
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Peter Martin Music Scholarship
  • Music Major
  • Enrolled full time. (12 cr. Ugrd; 6 cr. Grad)
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA (2.67 Ugrd; 3.00 Grad)
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Promise Scholarship
  • be an incoming first-year or transfer undergraduate
  • have applied & been admitted to a degree program at the University of Southern Maine
  • be a resident of the State of Maine
  • demonstrate financial need
  • plan to be enrolled as a full-time student (12 credits or more each semester)
  • be a first-generation college student (neither parent has earned a bachelor's degree)
  • be referred from a partnering youth-serving organization
 Award: Awards are multi-year and vary based upon a student’s eligibility for other federal, state, and institutional aid. Deadline: March 15
Robert Russell Music Scholarship
  • Music Major
  • Enrolled full time. (12 cr. Ugrd; 6 cr. Grad)
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA (2.67 Ugrd; 3.00 Grad)
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Roberta and Joseph A. Zinni Music Scholarship
  • Music major.
  • Enrolled full time
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
Ronald Cole Music Scholarship
  • Music Major
  • Enrolled full time. (12 cr. Ugrd; 6 cr. Grad)
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA (2.67 Ugrd; 3.00 Grad)
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28
The Osher Scholarship Program
  • First Year Student from York County (ME) High School
  • Completed USM application and FAFSA
  • Full-time student with at least 12 credits per fall and spring semesters
 Award: $6,800 Deadline: May 1
USM Access Scholarship
  • Students must not eligible to file a FAFSA for Federal Student Aid (including loans)
  • First Year, Continuing, or Transfer Student
  • Matriculated into a degree program at USM
  • Preference Given to Maine Residents
 Award: Amount Varies Deadline: June 1st
USM Alumni Association Scholarship
  • Children, grandchildren, or spouses of USM alumni
  • Demonstrate Financial Need on FAFSA
  • Incoming Admitted Student
 Award: Varies Deadline: May 1
William Bingham, II Scholarship
  • Music Major
  • Enrolled full time
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA appropriate to career level
 Award: Varies Deadline: February 28

Find scholarships by special interest

The following scholarships are not associated with a particular student type or area of study. These include scholarships for students with interests such as studying abroad, the ROCC Program, and voluntary public service.

Scholarships
Scholarship General Eligibility Award Deadline
Mondor Memorial Scholarship
  • Preference for students self-identifying as in recovery from addiction
  • Minimum 2.25 GPA
  • Demonstrated Financial Need
  • Undergraduate (taking a minimum of 6 credit hours) or graduate (taking a minimum of 3 credit hours)
 Award: $1,000 each award Deadline: Priority deadline of August 1st
Recovery Oriented Campus Center (ROCC) Scholarship
  • Preference for students self-identifying as in recovery from addiction
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Demonstrated Financial Need
 Award: Five (5) awards of $2,500 shall be given each semester fall and spring semester, as funds are available Deadline: Not accepting applications at this time.
ROCC Gratitude Annual Scholarship
  • Preference will be given to students who self-identify as in recovery for alcohol and/or drug addiction.
  • Undergraduate student
  • Enrolled Full-Time (minimum 12 credit hours)
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Demonstrated Financial Need
 Award: Annual awards of up to $2,500 per semester or $5,000 per year, may be awarded for each student, as funds are available. Deadline: Priority Deadline of August 1st

Find scholarships by affiliation

Affiliation scholarships are for students who are connected with specific places or families. A scholarship may require an affiliation to a company or organization, or to be a descendant of a particular family.

University of Maine System affiliation scholarships

Please send an email to Norma Catalano for more information regarding the following scholarships.

Deadline: January 15 for priority consideration.

Bath Iron Works Scholarship Fund

Undergraduate applicant should be a son or daughter of a current or retired BIW employee; accepted into a degree program at the University of Southern Maine; applied for financial aid; have demonstrated financial need; and must be in good academic standing. Certification is required on part 2 of the USM scholarship application by a BIW personnel officer, to include the employee’s name, position with company, and number of years employed on the application.

Sebago Technics Scholarship Fund

A first preference shall be given to the children, stepchildren and grandchildren of Sebago Technics’ current employees. Certification is required on part 2 of the USM scholarship application by a Sebago Technics personnel officer or appropriate supervisor, to include the employee’s name, position with company, and number of years employed on the application.

The Jay Foundation Scholarship

Recipients shall be limited to members in good standing of the Maine AFL-CIO, their spouses, and their dependents as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. Students with financial need receive priority consideration. Certification is required on part 2 of the USM scholarship application by an AFL-CIO personnel officer or human resources officer, to include the employee’s name, position with company, and number of years employed on the application.

The Gorham Savings Bank Scholarship Fund

A first preference shall be given to children, stepchildren and grandchildren of Gorham Savings Bank’s current employees. Certification is required on part 2 of the USM scholarship application by a Gorham Savings Bank official. If there are no students meeting the first preference, then recipients shall be a graduate of a high school in the Gorham Savings Bank’s service area who demonstrates either a financial need or high academic standing.

Austin and Ida Stearns Scholarship Fund

Recipients shall be limited to descendants of Austin and Ida Stearns who have financial need and a high academic standing.

Dorothy Menzies Bostwick Pi Beta Phi Memorial Scholarship

Recipients shall be limited to heirs of Dorothy Menzies Bostwick who are attending college at any campus of the University of Maine System.

James W. Hastings Family Fund

Recipients shall be limited to meritorious descendants of James W. Hastings with financial need, must be taking a minimum of 12 credits a semester and demonstrate financial need.

The Blake Family Scholarship Fund

Open to worthy and needy undergraduate students enrolled in a four-year curriculum within the University of Maine System who are residents of the town of LaGrange or descendants of Lewis and Ethel Blake, including adopted. Applicants who meet the LaGrange criteria should have the town clerk certify their residency. Students who are descendants of Lewis and Ethel Blake should briefly document their relationship to the Blakes.

The Gordon Erikson and Dorothy B. Erikson Scholarship Fund

Established in memory of Arthur H. Porter, Sr. and Dorothy V. Porter, preference for the scholarship is given to students who are descendants of Arthur H. Porter, Sr. and Dorothy V. Porter attending any campus in the University of Maine System.

The Philip J. and Muriel F. Brockway ’31, ’32 Scholarship

Recipients shall be limited to worthy and needy undergraduate students within the University of Maine Systems in four-year curricula in the following order of preference:

  1. To descendants of Philip and Muriel Brockway until the year 2048. Should there be more than one descendant applying in a given year, the award shall be made in the following order of priority:
    1. to the descendant with the greatest need;
    2. to any descendent(s) regardless of financial need and residency.
  2. To non-traditional students who residency is from rural Maine

The University of Maine Class of 1970 Scholarship

First consideration given to sons and daughters of University of Maine Class of 1970 alumni. Second consideration given to younger brothers and sisters of Class of 1970 alumni.

The Edward and Lea Anne Cote Scholarship Fund

Preference is given to undergraduate students who are descendants of Edward and Lea Anne Cote.  Students should be able to document their relationship to Edward and Lea Anne Cote.

The Mid Coast Maine AAUW Scholarship

Awarded to financially need students who graduated high school from:

  • Lincoln County
  • Knox County
  • Waldo County

Applicants must submit the USM Application for UMaine System Scholarships accompanied by an essay describing educational, personal, and career goals. Must include a letter of recommendation from a professor, and employer, or community member. A preference is given to those applicants who have engaged in community service or extracurricular activities or who possess special skills (including, but not limited to managing horse farms, lobster fishing, nursing training or musical abilities).

Other affiliation scholarships

Awarded to full-time or seasonal employees (within last 12 months) or to children, stepchildren, or grandchildren of current CPM employees majoring in engineering, technology, or business.

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Awarded to children, stepchildren, or grandchildren of current Gorham Savings Bank employees.

Apply now

Awarded to Maine Residents pursuing a major related to a career in building (e.g. Engineering or Architecture) and involved in a career or industry related professional organization (e.g. CSI).

Apply now

Awarded to a current employee or child of an employee. Current employee must be employed at Webber Energy Fuels for the last 2 years.

Apply now

Awarded to undergraduate students matriculated in the University of Maine System who are children, stepchildren and grandchildren of Sebago Technics’ current employees.

Apply now

Awarded to students attending a University of Maine System school who have participated in Maine 4-H.

Apply now
Professor Mark Monnin working with a student

Faculty-nominated scholarships

Our faculty want to get to know you and care about your success — academically, personally, and financially. Since some scholarships are awarded to students nominated by a faculty member, it can only help you to be more engaged in the classroom and get to know your professors.

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships provided by our university, there are many external scholarship opportunities provided by state, national, and global organizations. Explore external scholarships and resources.

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Disclaimer: Be sure to read the criteria for individual scholarships carefully. Most scholarships have enrollment and GPA requirements. Award amounts may vary each year and are subject to fund availability. As an NCAA Division III school, USM is prohibited from awarding scholarships based on athletic participation.