University of Southern Maine vs. DeSales University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME with DeSales University in Center Valley, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern Maine is larger than DeSales University based on total student enrollment (7,604 students vs. 2,972 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, ME (Small City setting); DeSales University is in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Southern Maine is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. DeSales University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Southern Maine 14:1; DeSales University 12:1.

University of Southern Maine vs. DeSales University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Southern Maine or DeSales University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Southern Maine than DeSales University ($14,028 vs. $31,732).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern Maine are 11% lower than at DeSales University ($12,280 vs. $13,800).
• DeSales University is 314.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Southern Maine (about $35,516 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $11,284.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.5% higher at DeSales University than at University of Southern Maine (about $18,856 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $27,944.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at DeSales University than at University of Southern Maine (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 176.3% larger than aid received by University of Southern Maine students ($30,909 vs. $11,188).

University of Southern Maine vs. DeSales University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Southern Maine or DeSales University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between DeSales University and University of Southern Maine.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at DeSales University (1180) is 60 points higher than at University of Southern Maine (1120).
• Incoming DeSales University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 26 at University of Southern Maine).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Southern Maine 990/1250; DeSales University 1090/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Southern Maine 24/28; DeSales University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Southern Maine - Required; DeSales University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DeSales University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman DeSales University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at University of Southern Maine (3.33).
• University of Southern Maine has a higher acceptance rate (79.2%) than DeSales University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at University of Southern Maine vs. 16.7% at DeSales University.

University of Southern Maine vs. DeSales University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Southern Maine and DeSales University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• DeSales University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than University of Southern Maine's (33%).
• Graduates from DeSales University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than University of Southern Maine graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than DeSales University graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DeSales University graduates ($232 vs. $268).
• More DeSales University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Southern Maine students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 64%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.