Education (GED) — Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. Aid to Nonpublic Institutions
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-101 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 1. Aid to Nonpublic Institutions
§ 17–101LinkCopy Citation
There is a program of State aid to private nonprofit institutions of higher education known as the Joseph A. Sellinger Program.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-102 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 1. Aid to Nonpublic Institutions
§ 17–102LinkCopy Citation
Subject to review by the Board of Public Works, the Maryland Higher Education Commission shall adopt standards and procedures, not inconsistent with this subtitle, to implement and administer the aid program provided for by this subtitle, including standards and procedures for:
(1)
Submitting applications for aid;
(2)
Verifying full-time equivalent student enrollment by institutions that apply for aid;
(3)
Submitting reports or data on the use of this money by the institutions that receive it; and
(4)
Paying the aid to the institutions during the fiscal year.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-103 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 1. Aid to Nonpublic Institutions
§ 17–103LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall determine which institutions are eligible for aid under this subtitle.
(b)
To qualify for State aid under this subtitle, an institution of higher education shall:
(1)
Be:
(i)
A nonprofit private college or university that was established in the State before July 1, 1970;
(ii)
A nonprofit private institution of higher education that formerly received State aid as a component of a private college or university that was established in this State before July 1, 1970; or
(iii)
A private nonprofit institution of higher education that is established in this State and grants an associate of arts degree;
(2)
Be approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission;
(3)
Be accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools;
(4)
Have awarded the associate of arts or baccalaureate degrees to at least one graduating class;
(5)
Maintain one or more earned degree programs, other than seminarian or theological programs, leading to an associate of arts or baccalaureate degree; and
(6)
Submit each new program and each major modification of an existing program to the Maryland Higher Education Commission for its review and recommendation as to the initiation of the new or modified program.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-104 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 1. Aid to Nonpublic Institutions
§ 17–104LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
(i)
In this subsection, “State Funds per full–time equivalent student appropriation to the 4–year public institutions of higher education” shall be calculated in accordance with this paragraph using the General Fund and Higher Education Investment Fund actual expenditures for the second previous fiscal year.
(ii)
The total number of full–time equivalent students is based on credit hour production for the second previous fiscal year.
(iii)
The number of undergraduate full–time equivalent students shall be calculated using total undergraduate credit hour production divided by 30.
(iv)
(1)
Except as provided in subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, the number of graduate full–time equivalent students shall be calculated based on a methodology agreed to by the University System of Maryland Office, Morgan State University, and St. Mary’s College of Maryland, in consultation with the Commission.
(2)
If a methodology is not agreed to on or before September 16, 2024, the Commission shall determine the methodology used to calculate the number of graduate full–time equivalent students.
(v)
The Commission shall certify the number of full–time equivalent students for each institution on or before October 1 each year.
(2)
(i)
Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, in fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Maryland Higher Education Commission shall compute the amount of the annual apportionment for each institution that qualifies under this subtitle by multiplying the number of full–time equivalent undergraduate students enrolled at the institution during the fall semester of the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the aid apportionment is made, as determined by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, by an amount not less than 16.1% of the State Funds per full–time equivalent student appropriation to the 4–year public institutions of higher education in this State.
(ii)
In each of fiscal years 2027 through 2029, the annual apportionment for each institution that qualifies under this subtitle is:
(1)
Capitol Technology University – $914,981;
(2)
Goucher College – $3,168,940;
(3)
Hood College – $3,611,811;
(4)
Johns Hopkins University – $20,554,298;
(5)
Loyola University of Maryland – $12,550,328;
(6)
Maryland Institute College of Art – $3,745,718;
(7)
McDaniel College – $5,945,264;
(8)
Mount St. Mary’s University – $5,476,872;
(9)
Notre Dame of Maryland University – $2,037,187;
(10)
St. John’s College – $1,701,410;
(11)
Stevenson University – $9,206,521;
(12)
Washington Adventist University – $1,367,650; and
(13)
Washington College – $3,041,744.
(b)
(1)
Full–time equivalent students enrolled in seminarian or theological programs shall be excluded from the computation required by subsection (a) of this section.
(2)
Full–time equivalent students enrolled in programs that are part of an agreement or contract with for–profit educational services entities shall be excluded from the computation required by subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
Payments of State general funds under Subtitle 3 of this title shall be excluded from the computation required by subsection (a) of this section.
(d)
For purposes of this section, the State’s General Fund appropriation per full–time equivalent student to the 4–year public institutions of higher education in the State for a fiscal year shall include:
(1)
Noncapital appropriations from the Higher Education Investment Fund; and
(2)
Appropriations, regardless of where they are budgeted, designated for the general operation of 4–year public institutions of higher education in the State, including personnel–related appropriations.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-105 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 1. Aid to Nonpublic Institutions
§ 17–105LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall certify the amount of aid due each institution under this subtitle to the Governor, who shall include the total amount in the annual budget submission.
(b)
If a private nonprofit institution of higher education has implemented a new or substantially modified program contrary to the recommendation of the Maryland Higher Education Commission that was based on a finding of unreasonable duplication, then the Maryland Higher Education Commission may recommend that the General Assembly reduce the appropriation by the amount of aid associated with the full–time equivalent enrollment in that program. This provision does not preclude the private nonprofit institution from going forward with implementation of the new or substantially modified program.
(c)
The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall certify the amount of aid due each institution, less any reduction made by the General Assembly under subsection (b) of this section, to the State Comptroller, who shall pay it from appropriations made for this program under the normal budgetary procedures.
(d)
(1)
If the General Assembly reduces program funding under subsection (b) of this section, the affected private nonprofit institution annually may reapply to the Maryland Higher Education Commission for reconsideration of the program recommendation.
(2)
If the Commission determines that the unreasonable duplication no longer exists, then the Commission may recommend that there be no reduction in the institution’s amount of aid.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-106 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 1. Aid to Nonpublic Institutions
§ 17–106LinkCopy Citation
Subject to the initial approval of the Secretary of General Services, an institution that qualifies for aid under this subtitle may make any purchase through the Department of General Services in accordance with the rules and regulations of that Department.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-107 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 1. Aid to Nonpublic Institutions
§ 17–107LinkCopy Citation
An institution may not use money payable or goods purchased under this subtitle for sectarian purposes.
Subtitle 2. Eminent Scholar Program
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-201 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 2. Eminent Scholar Program
§ 17–201LinkCopy Citation
There is an Eminent Scholar Program to give public institutions of higher education the opportunity to attract and keep faculty who have achieved national eminence in their disciplines.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-202 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 2. Eminent Scholar Program
§ 17–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each public institution of higher education may participate in the Eminent Scholar Program.
(b)
The governing body of each institution that participates in the Program shall adopt standards and procedures for attracting and keeping eminent scholars in this State that include the following concepts:
(1)
The appointee shall hold the rank of associate or full professor, or its equivalent, such as artist in residence;
(2)
The appointee shall have achieved national eminence in his discipline as judged by his peers; and
(3)
The “eminence” of the appointee:
(i)
Shall be judged, generally, on evidence of effective teaching and productive research as attested to by his peers; and
(ii)
If appropriate, may be judged on the basis of artistic achievement or distinguished accomplishments in areas that lie beyond academic endeavor but for which there is concrete evidence of superior talent.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-203 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 2. Eminent Scholar Program
§ 17–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each chair designated as a position for an eminent scholar shall be endowed fully for the incumbency of the holder of that chair.
(b)
The State may contribute the funds provided in the budget to match endowments obtained by each institution that are specifically designated for the Eminent Scholar Program. The contribution shall be in conjunction with, and supplemental to, the regular faculty salary funding.
Subtitle 3. Private Donation Incentive Program
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-301 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 3. Private Donation Incentive Program
§ 17–301LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Base year” means July 1, 1997 through June 30, 1998.
(c)
“Eligible institution” means:
(1)
Each public senior higher education institution identified in § 10–101(m) or § 12–101(b)(3) of this article or its affiliated foundation; and
(2)
The following community college campuses or their affiliated foundations:
(i)
Allegany;
(ii)
Anne Arundel;
(iii)
Baltimore City;
(iv)
Calvert;
(v)
Carroll;
(vi)
Catonsville;
(vii)
Cecil;
(viii)
Charles;
(ix)
Chesapeake;
(x)
Dundalk;
(xi)
Essex;
(xii)
Frederick;
(xiii)
Garrett;
(xiv)
Germantown;
(xv)
Hagerstown;
(xvi)
Harford;
(xvii)
Howard;
(xviii)
Prince George’s;
(xix)
Rockville;
(xx)
St. Mary’s;
(xxi)
Takoma Park; and
(xxii)
Wor–Wic.
(d)
(1)
“Eligible private donor” means an individual, corporation, partnership, or other form of business organization, public or private foundation, or other nonprofit organization.
(2)
“Eligible private donor” does not include the State, a subdivision of the State, the federal government, or a foreign government.
(e)
“Eligible program” means an endowment for an academic purpose that does not contain unreasonable restrictions as to use as further defined by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
(f)
“Endowment” means a donation or gift that has been provided under the condition that the principal remain intact and be invested in perpetuity for the purpose of producing income.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-302 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 3. Private Donation Incentive Program
§ 17–302LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, each eligible institution shall receive from the State, in the manner and subject to the limitations of this subtitle, with respect to the amounts pledged by eligible private donors as voluntary donations at any time during the previous fiscal year to the eligible institution for eligible programs as follows:
(1)
An amount equal to the first $250,000 or any portion thereof of pledged amounts;
(2)
An amount equal to one–half of the next $1,000,000 or any portion thereof of pledged amounts; and
(3)
An amount equal to one–third of the amount in excess of $1,250,000 or any portion thereof of pledged amounts.
(b)
Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore shall receive from the State, in the manner and subject to the limitations of this subtitle, with respect to the amounts pledged by eligible private donors as voluntary donations at any time during the previous fiscal year to the eligible institution for eligible programs as follows:
(1)
For amounts pledged on or after July 1, 2001, an amount equal to $2 for every $1 of the first $250,000 or any portion thereof of pledged amounts; and
(2)
For amounts pledged on or after July 1, 2001, an amount equal to the next $1,000,000 or any portion thereof of pledged amounts.
(c)
Payments shall be made by the State:
(1)
Only with respect to pledged amounts that are paid by the eligible private donor to:
(i)
Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore before January 1, 2010; and
(ii)
All other eligible institutions before July 1, 2004; and
(2)
(i)
To Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, in the fiscal year following the fiscal year during which the amounts are paid by eligible private donors; and
(ii)
To all other eligible institutions, in equal installments in fiscal years 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.
(d)
Payments by the State under this subtitle may not exceed:
(1)
$250,000 to each community college campus;
(2)
$1,250,000 each to the University of Maryland, College Park Campus, the University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus, and the University of Maryland Baltimore County;
(3)
$1,500,000 each to Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore; and
(4)
$750,000 to each other eligible institution.
(e)
(1)
To determine eligibility for State payments, each donation shall be compared to the amount donated during the base year. The following criteria shall be the basis for comparison:
(i)
Each donation must be from a new donor; or
(ii)
Each donation must represent an increase over the amount given by the donor during the base year.
(2)
A donation received during the base year that fulfills a pledge made prior to the base year may not be included in the determination of the amount donated during the base year.
(3)
Each donation must be specifically designated as an endowment.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-303 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 3. Private Donation Incentive Program
§ 17–303LinkCopy Citation
An affiliated foundation of an eligible institution that receives State payments shall provide to the Maryland Higher Education Commission an annual audit of all pledged and paid amounts and their sources, and a copy of the annual audit shall be provided to the Legislative Auditor.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-304 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 3. Private Donation Incentive Program
§ 17–304LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Amounts paid by the State under this subtitle may be applied to any eligible program at the eligible institution to which the payment is made.
(b)
No more than one-half of the total amount to be paid by the State under provisions of this subtitle may be appropriated in any fiscal year. The provisions of § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article do not apply to unused program funds.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-305 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 3. Private Donation Incentive Program
§ 17–305LinkCopy Citation
Amounts paid by the State to an eligible institution under this subtitle may not directly or indirectly reduce the State General Fund or Capital Fund support for the eligible institution.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-306 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 3. Private Donation Incentive Program
§ 17–306LinkCopy Citation
The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall:
(1)
Adopt regulations necessary for the administration of this subtitle; and
(2)
Submit to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly an annual report summarizing the total amount of funds pledged by eligible private donors and total amount of funds raised.
Subtitle 4. Teacher Quality and Diversity Program
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-401 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 4. Teacher Quality and Diversity Program
§ 17–401LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is a Teacher Quality and Diversity Program to assist institutions of higher education in:
(1)
Taking advantage of national foundation efforts to develop highly qualified teachers and leaders from diverse backgrounds; and
(2)
Aiding students from groups historically underrepresented in the teaching profession in achieving teacher preparation and certification requirements.
(b)
The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall implement and administer the Teacher Quality and Diversity Program under this subtitle.
(c)
The Commission shall give priority to historically black colleges and universities and Hispanic–serving institutions with a track record of preparing diverse and high–quality teachers in making grants under this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-402 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 4. Teacher Quality and Diversity Program
§ 17–402LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If an institution of higher education receives grant funding from a non–State source to increase the quality and diversity of applicants for the institution’s teacher training program, the institution may receive additional grant funding from the State, as needed, in an amount equal to or less than the non–State grant received by the institution.
(b)
In each fiscal year, the amount of grant funding provided by the State to institutions of higher education in accordance with subsection (a) of this section may not exceed $500,000.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-403 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 4. Teacher Quality and Diversity Program
§ 17–403LinkCopy Citation
The Commission shall provide assistance with applying for grants under this subtitle to institutions of higher education that are required under § 6–123 of this article to seek grant funding to increase the quality and diversity of applicants for the institution’s teacher training program.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-404 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 4. Teacher Quality and Diversity Program
§ 17–404LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is a Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant Program within the Teacher Quality and Diversity Program.
(b)
The purpose of the Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant Program is to provide grants to teacher preparation programs at institutions of higher education to assist students from groups historically underrepresented in the teaching profession in achieving teacher preparation and certification requirements.
(c)
The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall administer the Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant Program by awarding grants totaling at least $500,000 each year:
(1)
To applicants on a competitive basis; and
(2)
In a manner that serves the purpose of the Grant Program.
(d)
The Maryland Higher Education Commission may adopt regulations to carry out this section.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 17-405 (2026)
Title 17. Financial Aid to Institutions of Higher Education
Subtitle 4. Teacher Quality and Diversity Program
§ 17–405LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $1,000,000 to the Teacher Quality and Diversity Program.
(b)
Subject to the provisions of this subtitle, the Maryland Higher Education Commission may use the funds appropriated under subsection (a) of this section to award funding to institutions of higher education under § 17–402 or § 17–404 of this subtitle.