Muskie School of Public Service

Tuition and Fees 2005-2006

Tuition 2005-2006

There are three types of tuition charged: undergraduate, graduate, and law. The type of tuition charged is usually determined by the level of the course. Tuition charges are calculated by multiplying the number of credit hours attempted by a rate established by the University. Courses being audited are included in this calculation.

Graduate*
Maine Resident   $248.00
Non-Resident   $692.00
NEBHE/Canada   $372.00

Law students who enroll for less than 12 credit hours receive a per credit hour rate.


Law School Tuition Rates* (per credit hour)
First Year
Maine Resident   $525.00
Non-Resident   $835.00
NEBHE/Canada   $787.00

Second & Third Year
Maine Resident   $490.00
Non-Resident   $780.00
NEBHE/Canada   $735.00

Law School students who are registered for full-time status will be charged on a per semester basis.


Law School Tuition Rates* (per semester)
First Year
Maine Resident   $7,875.00
Non-Resident   $12,525.00
NEBHE/Canada   $11,805.00

Second & Third Year
Maine Resident   $7,350.00
Non-Resident   $11,700.00
NEBHE/Canada   $11,025.00

*The University reserves the right to adjust these charges to respond to changing cost, state and/or federal legislative action, and other matters. Such adjustment may be made at any time.


All USM courses will be charged at the above rates. A few courses are offered through ITV and broadcast from another campus. The rates for these classes are different and are noted in the Course Schedule published each semester.

See the Graduate Catalog section for Rules Governing In-State and Out-of-State Tuition.

Mandatory Fees 2005-2006

Unified Fee

This fee covers fixed costs of providing educational services not already supported by tuition. The funds generated from this fee is distributed to the following areas:

  • Registrar's Office/DSIS Support/IVR/ Alumni
  • Gym Operations
  • Computing Services
  • Facilities
  • Student Financial Aid Funding
Portland/Gorham & Winter Session   $18.00/credit hour
Lewiston/Auburn College   $14.00/credit hour
All other locations & Summer Session   $10.00/credit hour

Application Fee

A $50.00 fee is required when a student applies for admission into a graduate or law degree program.

Distance Education Fee

Students registering for classes offered over the Education Network are charged a $5.00 per credit fee to defray some mailing costs.

Installment Payment Fee

A non-refundable $25.00 fee is assessed to students enrolling in one of the University’s plans. This fee covers mailing and administrative costs.

Insufficient Funds Fee

A $25.00 fee is assessed when a check is returned due to insufficient funds or a credit card payment is declined.

Late Payment

A maximum of $75.00 per semester of mandatory fees is charged students who do not pay University bills when due.

Reactivation Fee

A $10.00 fee is required when a student previously accepted to a degree program, returns after an extended leave.

Student Activity Fee

This fee helps support various educational, cultural, and social activities.

Category   Amount
1.0 - 5.5 credit hours   $15.50
6.0 - 11.5 credit hours   $32.00
12 or more credit hours   $46.50
Law Students   $20.00
Lewiston-Auburn College,
Bath-Brunswick,
Saco-Sanford Centers
  $1.50/credit hour

Transportation Fee

A mandatory fee is assessed to all students registered for courses emanating from the Portland and/or Gorham campuses. The fee structure is as follows:

0.5 - 5.5 credit hours   $40.00
6.0 – 11.5 credit hours   $65.00
12+ credit hours   $90.00

Student Health Fee

A mandatory $40.00 fee is charged to students registered for six or more credits of instructional activities emanating from the Portland and/or Gorham campuses during fall and spring semesters. Such activities include independent study, internships, field experience, etc. Credits for regular classes taken at off campus locations are omitted when determining this fee. Students not assessed this fee may voluntarily enroll for $40.00. (The fee increases to $55.00 after the four week open enrollment period.) The fall insurance enrollment period ends in September. For more information about the services covered by the health fee, contact student health Services at 780-4211 or 780-5411.

Health Insurance (Optional)

Students may purchase optional insurance plans under policies made available by contract with the University of Southern Maine . These plans can provide coverage for health care costs incurred through Student Health, family physician, or other health care providers.

A moderate cost, 12-month basic insurance plan is available to students registered for 6 or more credit hours. Students who have enrolled in the prior academic year must re-enroll each year and cannot re-enroll in the basic plan if not a USM student.

An extended health care insurance plan is also available to students registered for 3 or more credit hours who want financial coverage for potential severe or catastrophic health problems. The extended care plan reimburses only after the first $10,000 of health care is already paid by the student or any basic insurance plan. Further information about either policy and coverage is available through Student Health Services.

Lewiston Auburn College Parking Fee

This fee is assessed to students registered for courses being held on the LAC campus: $3.00/ credit hour.

Course Fees

To defray the costs associated with some courses, additional fees ranging from $5.00 to $360.00 are assessed. These fees are associated with courses requiring additional instructional resources.

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