USM Makes Major Financial Commitment for Students

The University of Southern Maine is making a major financial commitment to help more Mainers pay for school.

President Glenn Cummings Announced the school's goal to raise $15 million for the Promise Scholarship Program.

The money will go to 100 full time students each year, covering room, board, fees, and up to 50 percent of their tuition.

The school hopes this will allow more first generation college students to graduate with little to no debt.

"There is definitely a group of students who stop from going to higher education because of money. And that is an enormous shame and a loss to society as a whole. This program helps us say you don't have to stop your dream just because you don't have the money." Says USM President, Glenn Cummings.

About 85 percent of USM undergrads receive financial aid, and approximately half of freshmen are the first in their families to go to college.