Maine USM vs Plymouth State
Envision yourself pursuing higher education at either the University of Southern Maine (USM) or Plymouth State University (PSU). Both institutions offer distinct experiences, catering to diverse student aspirations. USM, located in Portland, Maine, boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a broader range of applicants. PSU, situated in Plymouth, New Hampshire, maintains a more selective admissions process. While USM excels in fields like nursing, education, and business, PSU shines in areas such as engineering, computer science, and hospitality management. USM's student body reflects a rich tapestry of ethnicities, while PSU's student population leans towards a predominantly White demographic. Both universities boast impressive graduation rates, empowering students to achieve their academic goals. Delve into the comprehensive comparison table below to uncover further insights into these institutions, enabling you to make an informed decision that aligns with your unique academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Plymouth State University |
![]() University of Southern Maine |
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Overview |
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Location | Plymouth, New Hampshire | Portland, Maine |
Campus setting | Town: Remote | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 64.0% | 65.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 91.7% | 87.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$75
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SAT range | N/A | 995 - 1230 |
ACT range | N/A | 19 - 24 |
Students submitting SAT score | 18.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 1.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 6,856 | 5,397 |
Total number of admissions given out | 6,285 | 4,695 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 936 | 895 |
Yield rate | 14.9% | 19.1% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Not required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$29,804
Out of state:
$39,744
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In state:
$23,842
Out of state:
$37,842
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Average net price | $20,145 | $9,793 |
Tuition |
In state:
$11,870
Out of state:
$21,810
|
In state:
$8,064
Out of state:
$22,064
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,600
Meal plan:
$3,980
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Room/dormitory:
$5,460
Meal plan:
$4,980
|
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
98.0%
Average amount $8,983 |
92.0%
Average amount $8,886 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
79.0%
Average amount $5,237 |
45.0%
Average amount $4,969 |
Students taking out private loans |
20.0%
Average amount $14,585 |
6.0%
Average amount $10,975 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
3,536
Men 50.5% Women 49.5% |
5,956
Men 40.6% Women 59.4% |
Graduate students |
688
Men 28.2% Women 71.8% |
2,040
Men 25.3% Women 74.7% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
|
Very Low
|
Out-of-state students | 7.5% | 23.4% |
International students | 1.6% | 1.2% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Remote | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 2,561 | 1,189 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | New Hampshire Mississippi Maine Rhode Island Vermont | Maine New Hampshire Mississippi Vermont Connecticut |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 18:1 | 13:1 |
Institutional accreditation | New England Commission on Higher Education | New England Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 53.3% | 34.5% |
Dropout rate | 46.3% | 33.0% |
Transferred out | N/A | 30.0% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
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