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
President’s Transfer Scholar
  • Merit Scholarship
  • Cumulative transfer GPA 3.5 and above
Award: Annual range $1,000 to $9,000 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 Transfer 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: Annual award amount $1,000-$2,000 Deadline: April 1
ConnectED Pathways Scholarship
  • Students who earned an Associates Degree from a Maine Community College
  • Students admitted through the ConnectED Pathways program
  • Cannot be combined with other Merit Scholarships
Award: $1,000 Deadline: Associate’s degree must be on record with the Office of Admission (by receipt of an official transcript) by the end of the Add/Drop period of the student’s first semester. ConnectEd Pathways scholarships cannot be awarded after this deadline.
USM Scholar Award
  • Merit Scholarship
  • 2.67 – 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
Alfond Ambassador Scholarship
  • Must maintain good academic standing and continuous, full-time student status throughout the program (exceptions can be made for approved leaves).
  • Students must begin coursework in the fall semester of academic year. Currently enrolled students are not eligible
  • Recipients may not have a full-time graduate assistantship
  • Applicants must live in Maine
Award: $12000 Deadline: March 27
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
Bank of America Scholarship
  • School of Business major
  • Maine resident
Award: Typically $1000 or more Deadline: January 8
Betty Atterbury Award
  • Music Education Major
  • Have demonstrated financial need as evidenced by FAFSA
  • Be on track to graduate the following year
Award: Varies - Award for 2022-23 was $500 Deadline: November 1
Bob Crewe Foundation Music Scholarship
  • Music Major
  • Enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.67 or higher
  • Demonstrated financial need
Award: $1,000 Deadline: November 1
Boulos Veterans Promise Completion Scholarship
  • USM Veteran
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Within 30 credits of completing bachelors degree or within 12 credits of completing graduate degree
Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Application
Boyne Family Nursing Scholarship
  • Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN) Student or student otherwise already holding a Bachelor's Degree
  • Completed FAFSA
  • Students interested in providing care for the elderly in health-care deprived areas in Maine preferred
Award: The number and amount of the award(s) will be based on available income. Deadline: January 31
Campbell Family Endowed Scholarship
  • Undeclared at the time of scholarship decision
  • Must have at least 12 USM earned credits
  • A maximum of 83 earned degree credits
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • Be a Maine resident and have demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA 2024-2025
Award: $500 Deadline: December 1
Charles J. and Judith F. ’87G Micoleau Scholarship
  • N/A
Award: $1000 Deadline: Priority Deadline May 1
ChrisAlice Scholarship
  • Matriculated into a Muskie Graduate Program
  • Outstanding academic record
  • Commitment to Public Service
  • Financial need
Award: $1,000 or more Deadline: May 1
ChrisAlice Undergraduate Scholarship
  • Demonstrate commitment to voluntary public service
  • Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate degree candidate at USM
  • Attend community engagement training programs
  • Submit regular volunteer timesheet logs to scholarship coordinator
Award: $2000 Deadline: Early Deadline: Every Fall Semester by November 1 / Standard Deadline: Every Spring Semester by February 1 pending availability
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
Classical Voice Scholarship
  • Classical Vocal Major within any School of Music degree
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67
  • Enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester.
Award: Varies Deadline: November 1
Dean John W. Bay Scholarship
  • School of Business major
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Exhibits leadership through volunteerism
Award: Typically $1300 or more Deadline: January 8
Donald E. Nicoll / Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Policy Board of Visitors Scholarship
  • Eligible students must be matriculated in a program at the Muskie School.
Award: Varies Deadline: Priority Deadline May 1
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
E. June Clark and Irene Watson Nursing Scholarship
  • Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN) Student or student otherwise already holding a Bachelor's Degree
  • Certified nurse assistant or comparable credentials or status
  • Completed FAFSA
Award: The number and amount of the award(s) will be based on available income. Deadline: January 31
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
Edmund S. Muskie Memorial Scholarship
  • Matriculated into Muskie Program
Award: Varies Deadline: Priority Deadline May 1
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
Frank F. Brown Music Scholarship
  • Music major
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.67 or better
  • Enrolled full time
Award: $700 Deadline: November 1
Gateway Mastering Studios Scholarship
  • Music Major
  • Enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.67 or higher
Award: Varies. Two awards of $1,000 were given in 2021-2022 Deadline: November 1
Gene R. Cohen Entrepreneurial Scholarship
  • School of Business major
  • At least sophomore standing
  • Engaged in Entrepreneurial pursuits
  • Must be a USA citizen or Permanent resident
Award: Typically $1200 or more Deadline: January 8
Gerard G. Chamberland Memorial Scholarship
  • Music Major
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67
  • Enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits per semester
Award: Varies. Award for 2021-2022 was $1000 Deadline: November 1
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
Key Bank Scholarship in Honor of Ken Curtis Fund
  • Matriculated into Muskie Program
  • Outstanding academic record
  • Full time enrollment
Award: Varies Deadline: Priority Deadline May 1
Kim Moody ’82 and Family Nursing Scholarship
  • Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN) Student or student otherwise already holding a Bachelor's Degree
  • Completed FAFSA
  • Underrepresented students who have an interest in staying in Maine preferred
Award: The number and amount of the award(s) will be based on available income. Deadline: January 31
Leon and Lisa Gorman Scholarship
  • Completed Scholarship Application
  • Completed USM Application for Admission
  • Completed FAFSA
  • Minimum 24 credits earned
  • Preference 3.0 GPA
Award: $1,500 in the first year. Renewable for $1,000 in the second year. Deadline: July 1
Lorelle’s Nursing Scholarship
  • Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN) Student or student otherwise already holding a Bachelor's Degree
  • Completed FAFSA
Award: The number and amount of the award(s) will be based on available income. Deadline: January 31
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
Maine Insurance Agents Association Scholarship
  • School of Business student with RMI concentration or RMI minor
  • 2.5 GPA or higher
  • Completed at least 54 credits (junior standing)
Award: $1000 Deadline: N/A
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
Music Theatre Scholarship
  • Music Theatre major
  • Enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67
Award: Varies Deadline: November 1
Office of Graduate Studies Scholarship
  • Be matriculated in a master's or doctoral degree at USM 
  • Be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better 
  • Be enrolled in at least 6 graduate credits per semester 
  • Have completed the FAFSA (non US citizens need not complete) 
  • Not be a University of Maine System employee (though student workers and Graduate Assistants are eligible)
Award: Variable amounts up to $3,000 Deadline: Priority Deadline December 15; Final Deadline May 1
Office of Graduate Studies Spring Scholarship
  • Be matriculated in a master's or doctoral degree at USM
  • Be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better
  • Be enrolled in at least 6 graduate credits for the Spring session(s)
  • Have completed the FAFSA (non US citizens need not complete)
  • Not be a University of Maine System employee (though student workers and Graduate Assistants are eligible)
Award: $1,500 Deadline: October 31
Office of Graduate Studies Summer Scholarship
  • Be matriculated in a master's or doctoral degree at USM
  • Be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better
  • Be enrolled in at least 3 graduate credits for the summer session(s)
  • Have completed the FAFSA (non US citizens need not complete)
  • Not be a University of Maine System employee (though student workers and Graduate Assistants are eligible)
Award: $1,000 Deadline: March 15
Otis Family Scholarship
  • School of Business major
  • Maine resident
  • Preference given to Accounting and Finance majors
Award: Typically $1000 or more Deadline: January 8
Peter Feeney Scholarship
  • Continuing Muskie students
  • Completed 12 credits
  • Financial need
  • Commitment to Public Service
Award: $1,000 or more Deadline: Priority Deadline May 1
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
Philip and Joan Jagolinzer Scholarship
  • Completed a class in intermediate accounting or accounting theory at USM
  • Minimum 3.3 GPA overall
  • Minimum 3.4 GPA in accounting courses
Award: Varies Deadline: N/A
Presser Scholar Award
  • Music Major
  • Junior or Senior Standing
  • Enrolled in 12 credits or more per semester
  • Minimum 2.67 GPA
Award: Varies. Amount determined by funding Deadline: November 1
Promise Scholarship
  • be an admitted, incoming first-year or transfer undergraduate to USM
  • be a full-time resident of Maine
  • demonstrate financial need
  • demonstrate a commitment to community service and civic engagement (preferred)
  • be a first-generation college student (preferred)
  • be referred from a partnering youth-serving organization (preferred)
Award: Awards are multi-year and vary based upon a student’s eligibility for other federal, state, and institutional aid. Deadline: March 15
ReEntry Scholarship Program Application
  • Admitted to degree-seeking undergraduate program
  • Cumulative 5 year gap in pursuit of first bachelors degree
  • Financial Need
Award: Up to $5,000 per academic year Deadline: June 1
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
Robert W. Berry Memorial Scholarship
  • School of Business major
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Interest in technology and business
Award: Typically $1000 Deadline: January 8
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
Royer Advisors & Accountants Excellence in Accounting Scholarship
  • Accounting major
  • Junior (54 credits at the start of the Fall semester) or senior
  • Minimum 3.3 GPA
Award: $1,000 Deadline: N/A
Royer Advisors & Accountants Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
  • Accounting major
  • Junior (54 credits at the start of the Fall semester) or senior
  • Minimum 3.3 GPA (preferably 3.5)
Award: $1000 Deadline: N/A
School of Education and Human Development Scholarships
  • Current matriculated undergraduates who are in a teacher education major or pathway
  • Or, new or current graduate students who are matriculated in a program within the School of Education and Human Development,
  • Enrolled in at least six credits in the semester/s in which awarded.
Award: Varies Deadline: DECEMBER 1: Current Undergraduate Students. MARCH 1: Incoming and Current Graduate Students
Sport Management Scholarship
  • Sport Management major
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Enrolled in Sport Management internship for upcoming academic year
Award: Varies Deadline: N/A
The Chancellor’s Scholarship for Adult Achievement
  • Admitted to a degree-seeking program for Summer or Fall 2024
  • Maine Residents
  • Demonstrate financial need on the FAFSA
  • University of Maine System for at least two semesters
  • Pursuing a first Bachelor's degree
  • At least 24 years old
  • At least 21 years old, independent on the FAFSA, and meet additional criteria listed on the application
  • Enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits per semester
Award: Variable Deadline: August 15th
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 7th
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
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
SMRT Stevens Scholarship
  • Study in an academic area that supports Architect and Engineering professions
  • Demonstrate Financial Need
  • Enroll in at least 6 credits per semester
Award: Varies Deadline: June 15th

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: February 28th

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Sylvio Normandeau Scholarship

Scholarship awards shall be awarded to descendants of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert S. Normandeau attending any campus of the University of Maine System. It will be the responsibility of the recipients to provide to the University of Maine Office of Student Financial Aid evidence of their relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Herbert S. Normandeau (regardless of which University of Maine System campus they are attending.)

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 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 System who are descendants of Philip and Muriel Brockway.

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.

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. Note: This scholarship has been fully awarded for the 2024/25 academic year.

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 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.

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

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).

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

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

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


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.

awarded in scholarships each year

students take advantage of financial aid each year

offered in grants each year to our students

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.