Title 18. Student Financial Assistance — Subtitle 28A. Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 18-28A-01 (2026)
Title 18. Student Financial Assistance
Subtitle 28A. Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers
§ 18–28A-01LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Department” means the Department of Agriculture.
(c)
“Higher education loan” means a loan that is obtained for tuition, education expenses, or living expenses for undergraduate or graduate study leading to a degree in agriculture or an agriculture–related field, including farming.
(d)
“Program” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 18-28A-02 (2026)
Title 18. Student Financial Assistance
Subtitle 28A. Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers
§ 18–28A-02LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers in the State.
(b)
The Office shall assist in the repayment of a higher education loan owed by a farmer who:
(1)
Has received an undergraduate or graduate degree in agriculture or an agriculture–related field from a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education located in the State;
(2)
Has been a farmer for at least 5 years but not more than 10 years since obtaining the degree;
(3)
Receives an income that is less than the maximum eligible total income levels established by the Office, in consultation with the Department, including any additional sources of income; and
(4)
Satisfies any other criteria established by the Office.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 18-28A-03 (2026)
Title 18. Student Financial Assistance
Subtitle 28A. Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers
§ 18–28A-03LinkCopy Citation
The Office, in consultation with the Department, shall adopt regulations to establish:
(1)
The maximum starting income for eligibility in the Program;
(2)
The maximum total income for eligibility in the Program, including any additional sources of income;
(3)
That priority for participation in the Program shall be given to a farmer who:
(i)
Graduated from an institution of higher education in the State in the last 10 years;
(ii)
Is employed as a farmer on a full–time basis; and
(iii)
As determined by the Department in consultation with the Department of the Environment, uses sustainable agricultural techniques and demonstrates environmental stewardship;
(4)
A limit on the total amount of assistance provided by the Office in repaying the higher education loan of a farmer, based on the farmer’s total income and outstanding higher education loan balance;
(5)
A procedure and schedule for the payment of the amount of loan assistance provided by the Office to the farmer; and
(6)
An annual review of the eligibility of each farmer participating in the Program.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 18-28A-04 (2026)
Title 18. Student Financial Assistance
Subtitle 28A. Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers
§ 18–28A-04LinkCopy Citation
Funds for the Program shall be provided on an annual basis in the State budget.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 18-28A-05 (2026)
Title 18. Student Financial Assistance
Subtitle 28A. Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers
§ 18–28A-05LinkCopy Citation
As part of the annual report required under § 18–1505 of this title, the Office shall include information regarding implementation of the Program, including:
(1)
The amount of money allocated for the Program;
(2)
The number of awards made and amounts of the awards; and
(3)
The number of applicants denied an award.