University of Southern Maine maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 79.31%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of Southern Maine Admission Requirements
University of Southern Maine GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Southern Maine is 3.33. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.53-3.73 for this same academic profile.
If your GPA is between 3.03 and 3.33, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
University of Southern Maine GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at University of Southern Maine utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.33, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.33 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.13 – 3.32 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.93 – 3.12 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.92 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At University of Southern Maine, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Southern Maine Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
University of Southern Maine Average SAT Score: 1130
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Southern Maine is 1130 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1130 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1280 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Southern Maine allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 995, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Southern Maine.Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal, most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 565 | 490 | 640 |
| SAT Reading | 573 | 505 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1130 | 995 | 1280 |
It means that if you have scored less than 995 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of Southern Maine and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1280 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into University of Southern Maine with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Southern Maine are good but the admission staff at University of Southern Maine tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Southern Maine ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of Southern Maine is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of Southern Maine slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 25 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 19 | 28 |
| ACT English | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 23 | 26 |
Can I get into University of Southern Maine with a 26 ACT?
A 26 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Southern Maine — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at University of Southern Maine use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that University of Southern Maine — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether University of Southern Maine uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 26 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 25.University of Southern Maine Profile
Name: University of Southern Maine
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
Can I Get Into University of Southern Maine Without SAT Or ACT?: University of Southern Maine requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test multiple times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Is a University of Southern Maine degree Worth It?
Getting into University of Southern Maine can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. University of Southern Maine offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at University of Southern Maine is $58,100 and unemployment rate is 2.82%.
How much does a degree from University of Southern Maine Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at University of Southern Maine is $21,381. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Southern Maine is $11,729
26.28% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 34.06 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of Southern Maine and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Southern Maine, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of Southern Maine as your choice in the form.
How much does a University of Southern Maine Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is $49,958. An average University of Southern Maine graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Southern Maine. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Grand Canyon University, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | University of the Ozarks, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1093 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Southern Maine. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Lynn University, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| University of West Florida | University of West Florida, FL | 1137 | 24 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Southern Maine. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1194 | 26 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Southern Maine Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $49,958 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $21,381 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: 26.3% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of Southern Maine is 79.31% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.33. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.03, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.03, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.03 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.93 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to University of Southern Maine if my GPA is below 3.03
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.33, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to University of Southern Maine is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1130 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 995-1280
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of Southern Maine.
Last Updated: Wednesday March 18, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.