The USM Scholar Award is awarded to first-year students based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership skills, or other criteria. First-year student merit scholarships are awarded up to 4 years with full-time enrollment (15 credit hours per semester recommended). Students whose GPA falls between 2.67 and 2.99 at the time of admission could be eligible for this award. The University of Southern Maine uses a 4.0 scale to determine scholarship eligibility. If a student's GPA is not on a 4.0 scale, we will convert it using the specific school's profile. Students who have already earned a bachelor's degree by the time they start courses at USM are not eligible for merit scholarships. For admission application, submission of an essay and/or resume is recommended. Students may visit the scholarship's website or contact Student Financial Services for more information.