The University of Southern Maine is the largest of the seven campuses of the University of Maine System, as well as one of the oldest, with its founding in Gorham in 1878. It is the comprehensive metropolitan campus of the University of Maine System and is one of its two graduate centers.

From its campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston, the University of Southern Maine offers baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degree programs, providing students with rich learning opportunities in the arts, humanities, politics, health sciences, business, mass communications, science, engineering, and technology. In addition, this public university offers teacher preparation programs, a variety of self-designed majors, and pre-professional programs.

The University of Southern Maine's schools and colleges include: College of Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology; College of Nursing and Health Professions; College of Education and Human Development; Lewiston-Auburn College; University of Maine School of Law; and Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service.

The University of Southern Maine's residential campuses of Gorham and Portland are eight miles apart and are located less than two hours from Boston. The six residence halls on the Gorham campus offer students a traditional small-college living environment in a rural setting, while Portland Hall offers apartment-style suites in the vibrant city of Portland. The Lewiston-Auburn campus of this public university is located 45 minutes north of Portland, and is a nonresidential campus.

It's a fact: The University of Southern Maine is a major educational force in the overall growth and improvement of the economic, civic, social, and cultural fabric of southern Maine.