The University of Southern Maine (USM) offers many scholarships and awards that are based on your academic achievement, demonstrated leadership skills, or other criteria. You’ll be considered for these renewable scholarships based on your admission application.

We’re very proud to invest millions of dollars each year in merit scholarships for first-year and transfer students. Merit scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $11,000 annually. Complete your USM application by April 1 to be automatically considered.

First-year student scholarship opportunities

Award nameAnnual award rangeRenewable
President’s Scholar$4,000 – $11,000Up to 4 years
Dirigo Scholar$2,000 – $10,000Up to 4 years
USM Scholar$1,000 – $7,000Up to 4 years

Transfer student scholarship opportunities

Award nameAnnual award rangeRenewable
President’s Transfer Scholar$1,000 – $9,000Up to 3 years
ConnectED Pathways Scholarship$1,000Up to 3 years

Please note:

  • Awards to first-year students can be used for a maximum of eight (8) semesters within a period of five (5) years, starting with your first enrollment term.
    • In order to remain eligible for the scholarship, you must be enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours per semester) and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. 
  • Awards to transfer students with 30+ transferrable credits can be used for a maximum of six (6) semesters within a period of four (4) years, starting with your first enrollment term.
    • In order to remain eligible for the scholarship, you must be enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours per semester) and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Awards to transfer students with fewer than 30 transferrable credits can be used for a maximum of eight (8) semesters within a period of five (5) years, starting with your first enrollment term.
    • In order to remain eligible for the scholarship, you must be enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours per semester) and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Scholarship awards may vary for out-of-state and Maine residents.

You may qualify for one or more additional scholarship opportunities.