§ 15–101.1
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 15-101.1 (2026)
Title 15. Public Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 15–101.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“CCR standard” has the meaning stated in § 7–205.1(a) of this article.
(3)
“High school” means a public school in the State that offers a program of instruction for at least grades 11 and 12, including a virtual school established under Title 7, Subtitle 14 of this article.
(b)
Beginning in the 2028–2029 academic year, there is a direct admission program at participating public senior higher education institutions for eligible high school students who meet the eligibility requirements specified in the memorandum of understanding entered into under subsection (c) of this section.
(c)
(1)
The Commission, the Department, the University System of Maryland, Morgan State University, and St. Mary’s College of Maryland shall:
(i)
Establish eligibility requirements for the direct admission program, which shall include, at minimum, completion of the CCR standard and a minimum high school grade point average; and
(ii)
Enter into a memorandum of understanding that specifies the eligibility requirements for the direct admission program.
(2)
A high school student is eligible for direct admission to a participating public senior higher education institution under this section if the student:
(i)
Has completed or is expected to complete all of the prerequisite courses that are required by the institution to which the student applies by the student’s anticipated matriculation date;
(ii)
Meets the eligibility requirements specified in the memorandum of understanding;
(iii)
Applies for admission to an institution:
(1)
By the required application deadline established by the institution; and
(2)
During grade 12 of high school;
(iv)
Meets the other course requirements established by the institution, if any; and
(v)
Meets the additional criteria established by the institution, if any.
(d)
(1)
A public senior higher education institution may choose to participate in the direct admission program under this section.
(2)
If a public senior higher education institution chooses to participate in the direct admission program, the participating institution shall:
(i)
(1)
Agree to use the eligibility requirements specified in the memorandum of understanding;
(2)
Determine any additional courses or criteria needed for a student to qualify for direct admission to the institution, if any; and
(3)
Report the additional requirements under item 2 of this item to the Commission each year;
(ii)
Waive the application fee for students who apply for direct admission to the institution; and
(iii)
Offer conditional direct admission to each high school student who meets the eligibility requirements specified in the memorandum of understanding.
(3)
A participating institution may:
(i)
Verify any information required by the institution and provided by a high school student indicating eligibility for direct admission under this section; and
(ii)
Revoke a student’s offer of direct admission at the institution if the student:
(1)
Is not awarded a high school diploma before the student’s anticipated matriculation date;
(2)
Does not meet the eligibility requirements specified in the memorandum of understanding;
(3)
Engages in academic misconduct; or
(4)
After the student’s application is submitted, experiences significantly declining grades that, under the institution’s standard application process, would justify the institution revoking an offer for admission.
(e)
The Department and the Commission jointly shall establish a process for notifying the Commission of each high school student in the State who has met the eligibility requirements specified in the memorandum of understanding each school year.
(f)
The Commission shall establish a process to offer conditional direct admission from each participating institution to each eligible high school student.
(g)
The provisions in this section do not guarantee a high school student eligible for direct admission placement in any specific program offered by the participating institution or to any specific college, school, or functional equivalent within the participating institution to which the student applies.