University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine (USM) offers a distinctive educational experience rooted in Maine's rich heritage. As the southernmost university in the University of Maine System, USM provides a dynamic environment across its three unique campuses in Gorham, Portland, and Lewiston. Students can choose between the more traditional residential feel of Gorham or the bustling urban setting of Portland, each offering distinct academic and social opportunities.

USM's history is a testament to growth and collaboration, evolving from two separate state institutions. It began with the Gorham Normal School in 1878 and Portland University in 1921. These institutions eventually merged in 1970, forming the University of Maine at Portland-Gorham, with the goal of streamlining public higher education in the state. The institution officially became the University of Southern Maine in 1978, later expanding its reach with the Lewiston campus in 1988. This rich past underpins a forward-looking approach to education.

With a student body of over 6,200, USM fosters a vibrant community embracing "The Joy and Power of Learning." The Portland campus is a hub for professional and research-focused studies, housing the esteemed Edmund Muskie School of Public Service, the Bio Sciences Research Institute, and the USM School of Business. Meanwhile, the Gorham campus shines with its School of Education and Human Development and the renowned Osher School of Music. Students engage in NCAA Division III athletics as the Huskies, embodying a spirit of both academic excellence and collegiate pride across their urban and suburban landscapes.