Scholarships

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

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: $1000	Deadline: January 8
Berry Talbot Royer Excellence in Accounting Scholarship	Accounting major Junior (54 credits at the start of the Fall semester) Minimum 3.5 GPA	Award: $1,000	Deadline: January 8
Berry Talbot Royer Outstanding Achievement Scholarship	Accounting major Junior (54 credits at the start of the Fall semester) Minimum 3.5 GPA	Award: $1000	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: Varies	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	Award: Varies	Deadline: N/A
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: Varies	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 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
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: Varies	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
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: 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:

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.
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.

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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).

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

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

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

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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.

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

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Find scholarships by special interest

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University of Maine System affiliation scholarships

Other affiliation scholarships

Faculty-nominated scholarships

External scholarships