For many USM students, the path to a college degree is filled with challenges—financial barriers chief among them. Scholarships reshape that story.
Your support is a pivotal chapter in their journey. You help talented learners turn roadblocks into turning points and keep students on track toward graduation.
Donor-funded scholarships totaled over $2.3 million in FY2025 – nearly 17% of the university’s total scholarship offering. Your commitment helped shape the stories of perseverance, achievement, and community impact included in this report, and so many others.
Your Impact
Brailey Sublette ’27
Major: Political Science,
concentration in International Studies
“Coming from Montana, USM gave me the chance to explore New England and dive into new opportunities. I’m on track to graduate in three years, serve as an RA, and lead the Queer/Straight Alliance. Long-term, I hope to build a career in public service—whether that’s with the UN, the State Department, or even as a judge someday. My scholarship made it financially possible to attend USM as an out-of-state student.”
Students like Brailey who are preparing for a career in public service often must choose between following their dreams and paying off their debt. Your support in FY2025 helped USM keep student debt 12% below the national average among public universities.
Sophia Colin ’27
Major: Biology
Minor: Biochemistry
“Because money was tight, my scholarship made it possible for me to attend USM, and gave my mom the confidence to let me follow my own path. When I took the tour of campus, I immediately felt like I belonged. Here, I’ve found professors who always encourage me to be my best, and communities like the Pre-Med Club and Women of Color where I feel connected and supported. I plan to become a forensic pathologist and hope to stay in Maine, continuing to give back to the community that has already given me so much.”
Scholarships lower the overall financial burden of college for students like Sophia. It’s just one reason that US News & World Report has ranked USM a top school for social mobility for the 5th year in a row.
Zack Treadwell ’27
Major: Mechanical Engineering
“I’m a Southern Maine native, having grown up in Westbrook and calling Portland home for the past decade. My goal after USM is to work in the automotive engineering field , and I’m currently gaining valuable hands-on experience through a local internship, assembling control panels for industrial applications. My scholarship has been a tremendous help, allowing me to focus on my studies so I can pursue my dreams with a lot more confidence. I’m deeply grateful for this support.”
Like Zack, 59% of USM undergraduate students take advantage of scholarships to make their education accessible.
Your gifts to scholarships change lives every day at the University of Southern Maine. Because of you, thousands of students like Brailey, Sophia, and Zack are not only achieving their academic dreams, but preparing to serve their communities with purpose and passion. You continue to help make USM more accessible, more supportive, and more transformational for the students who need it most. We are deeply grateful for your commitment