Tuition and Financial Aid
Students at USM finance their education in many ways. This page is designed to help you gather information about your options.
Tuition
At the University of Southern Maine (USM), we are dedicated to providing you with an excellent education at an affordable price that will set you up for lifelong success. Net Price Calculator
Out-of-State master’s program students: Out-of-state students studying in our Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master’s in Policy, Planning, and Management (MPPM) programs can now receive a reduced tuition rate.
Financial Aid
Many undergraduate and graduate students receive some type of assistance through the USM Financial Services Office. Undergraduate students may be eligible for federal and state grants, work-study, and loans, in addition to scholarships.
Graduate students commonly obtain unsubsidized loans to assist with their expenses. Students enrolled at least half-time (those taking at least six graduate credit hours per semester) are usually eligible for loans to cover tuition, books, and assist with living expenses. There are few government grant programs for graduate students; however, graduate students may be eligible for scholarships from university and private sources.
For more information on financial aid and scholarship opportunities outside of the Muskie School, we recommend you visit the USM Student Financial Services Office.
Muskie Graduate Assistantships
Students interested in one of the many graduate and research assistantships available at the Muskie School should fill out the Muskie School Graduate Scholarship and Graduate Assistantship Application form linked below
For more information on Graduate Assistantships, please visit our Graduate and Research Assistantships page.
Muskie Scholarships
Scholarships are available for matriculated Muskie School students who are enrolled in at least 6 credits each semester in the year for which a scholarship is awarded. For all scholarships, a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA while receiving a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the School.
For more information on specific Muskie School scholarships, please visit the
USM Scholarship Portal. You only need to complete one scholarship application to be considered for any of the Muskie School scholarships.
Deadline: Applications received by March 1 are given priority.
Muskie School Scholarships include:
USM Graduate Scholar Award
Presidential scholarships reduce tuition for out-of-state and international students to approximate in-state tuition rates. All students applying for part-time or full-time status in a Muskie School master’s degree program are eligible to apply. Qualified students may receive up to $30,000 over the course of their degree program.
Peter Feeney Scholarships
Peter Feeney Scholarships are awarded to continuing matriculated students in a master’s or doctoral program who show financial need, have completed 12 credit hours of course work, and exhibit a demonstrated commitment to public service.
Muskie School General Scholarships
Muskie School General Scholarships are awarded to incoming or continuing students matriculated in a master’s or doctoral program at the Muskie School and can be in either the course or dissertation phase of a doctoral program. If a doctoral student is in the dissertation phase, the 6 credit per semester requirement is waived. Students must demonstrate academic excellence, show evidence of commitment to public service and show financial need.
Key Bank Scholarship in Honor of Ken Curtis
The Key Bank Scholarship in Honor of Ken Curtis is awarded to one or more students that have demonstrated an outstanding academic record including any prior graduate study and show evidence of commitment to public service. An interest in state government is preferred.
Donald E. Nicoll Scholarship
The Donald E. Nicoll Scholarship is awarded to incoming students. Continuing students who received the Nicoll Scholarship their first year are eligible to reapply. Students must demonstrate outstanding academic record, show evidence of commitment to the public service values exemplified by Senator Edmund S. Muskie.
ChrisAlice Scholarship
The ChrisAlice Scholarship is awarded to incoming or continuing master’s students who have demonstrated an outstanding academic record, including any prior graduate work, or who show evidence of commitment to voluntary public service through one’s record of accomplishment in professional, community or campus service. Public service is defined as the act of helping to create a thriving community for all. Students must show financial need with a written statement. The statement should outline how the financial resources awarded will help address the student’s needs for obtaining a graduate education.
Charles J. and Judith F. Micoleau Scholarship
The Charles J. and Judith F. ‘87G Micoleau Scholarship shall be used to provide scholarship assistance to graduate students, enrolled in programs within the Muskie School of Public Service, in good academic standing. Preferences: Students enrolled in accelerated degree programs or at least two graduate courses within the Muskie School of Public Service which are cross listed with law, business and history.
Edmund S. Muskie Memorial Scholarship
This endowment was originally established in 2005 at the University of Southern Maine Foundation for the benefit of the Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine. Eligible students must be matriculated in a program at the Muskie School.