University of Southern Maine

Program Length & Format

• 15 months of full-time study
• Modes of study: blended; in person
• Cohort start: summer term only; courses begin in May
• Minimum number of credits (exclusive of University Core Curriculum) for the major: 66.5
• Minimum grade requirement for major courses: C+
• Minimum GPA requirement for major courses: 2.75

Admission Requirements

• Hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution before program start
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 from the most recently earned bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree
• Meet the University’s general undergraduate admission requirements

Prerequisites

• College-level Statistics (completed prior to May start)
• Anatomy and Physiology I and II (all body systems; lab not required; completed prior to May start)
• Microbiology with laboratory (completed prior to May start)
• Prerequisite grade requirement: C or better
• Pathophysiology and Human Nutrition equivalents: recommended but not required

Deadlines

• Application deadline for summer term: October 1
• Program start month: May
• Notification of application decisions: by postal mail by early January

Application

• Submit University of Southern Maine (USM) Application
• Submit Supplemental Application to Nursing, including nursing essay (essay prompt on supplemental form)
• Current USM students who will graduate in May must apply for readmission/reactivation via the online application form
• Must be able to satisfy USM Nursing Clinical Health and Background Check Requirements prior to May start

Selection Process

• Admission: competitive review
• Applicants who do not meet listed eligibility criteria will not be considered for admission
• Admission decisions communicated by postal mail by early January

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical experiences at inpatient, outpatient, and community-based facilities
• Clinical placements in small groups with a clinical faculty member
• Final semester clinical assignment with a preceptor in a direct-care setting
• Laboratory facilities: Learning Resources and Simulation Center; Physical Assessment Lab; Fundamentals of Nursing Lab
• Community-based clinical activities include primary care, public health, and mental health services

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition and mandatory fees for 30 credit hours (2025–2026), Differential Level 3:
  • In-state tuition: $10,650; mandatory fees: $3,150; total: $13,800
  • Out-of-state tuition: $31,290; mandatory fees: $3,150; total: $34,440
  • NEBHE Tuition Break tuition: $18,600; mandatory fees: $3,150; total: $21,750
  • Canadian tuition: $10,650; mandatory fees: $3,150; total: $13,800
• Per-credit mandatory fees: Comprehensive $89/credit; Technology $10/credit; Student Activity $6/credit
• One-time undergraduate enrollment fee: $200
• NEBHE Tuition Break Program: New England residents may qualify for reduced tuition rates