Merit Scholarships
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 will be considered for these renewable scholarships based on your admission application. We are very proud to invest millions of dollars each year in merit scholarships for first-year and transfer students.
Merit scholarship awards range from $2,000 to $12,000 annually. Complete your USM application to be automatically considered, including your official high school transcript, letter of recommendation, and completed personal statement (essay). (Optional) Official SAT or ACT scores are optional for admission consideration. If submitted, scores must be provided directly from the testing agency or included on official high school transcript.
First-Year Student Scholarship Opportunities
| AWARD NAME | ANNUAL AWARD RANGE | RENEWABLE |
| President’s Scholar | $5,000 – $12,000 | Up to 4 years |
| Dirigo Scholar | $3,000 – $10,000 | Up to 4 years |
| USM Scholar | $2,000 – $8,000 | Up to 4 years |
Transfer Student Scholarship Opportunities
| AWARD NAME | ANNUAL AWARD RANGE | RENEWABLE |
| President’s Transfer Scholar | $4,000 – $12,000 | Up to 3 years |
| ConnectED Pathways Scholarship | $2000 | Up to 3 years |
Please note:
- First-year student merit scholarships are awarded up to 4 years with full-time enrollment (15 credit hours per semester or 30 credits per year) for students entering G.P.A.s of 2.75 or higher. In order to remain eligible for the scholarship, students must maintain a G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher at USM.
- Transfer student merit scholarships are awarded up to 3 years with full-time enrollment (15 credit hours per semester or 30 credits per year) for students entering with G.P.A.s of 3.5 or higher. In order to remain eligible for the scholarship, students must maintain a G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher at USM.
- Scholarship awards may vary for out-of-state and Maine residents.