Founded in 1878, University of Southern Maine is a non-profit public state higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Portland (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Maine. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Gorham, Lewiston. Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, University of Southern Maine (USM) is a large coeducational US higher education institution. University of Southern Maine (USM) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 144 years old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 80-90% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. USM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.