Maryland Higher Education Commission: Shaping the Future of Postsecondary Education

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) plays a pivotal role in overseeing and coordinating postsecondary education within the state. Established in 1988, MHEC is responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland’s public and private colleges and universities, as well as for-profit career schools. This article provides a comprehensive overview of MHEC's functions, responsibilities, and its impact on the state's higher education landscape.

Overview of Maryland's Higher Education System

The state of Maryland boasts a diverse higher education system, comprising 57 colleges and universities and more than 151 private career schools. These institutions cater to a wide range of students, from those entering directly from high school to individuals seeking to enhance their skills later in their careers. Collectively, Maryland’s colleges and universities offer every kind of educational experience.

MHEC's Role and Responsibilities

MHEC serves as the state's central authority for coordinating and overseeing postsecondary education in Maryland. In keeping with the goals outlined in the State Plan for Postsecondary Education, the commission establishes statewide policies for public and private colleges and universities, and for private career schools. MHEC coordinates the growth and development of postsecondary education in Maryland. The Commission also administers certain aid programs to institutions of higher education and provides financial assistance to students.

Policy Development and Coordination

MHEC is responsible for setting statewide policies for public and private colleges and universities, as well as for-profit career schools. These policies aim to ensure quality, accessibility, and alignment with the state's economic and social objectives. The Commission also reviews and approves the start-up and continuation of new colleges and universities in Maryland, as well as requests for new academic programs at established schools.

Financial Aid Administration

MHEC administers the state's financial aid programs, providing crucial assistance to Maryland students pursuing higher education. These programs include need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and career-based scholarships, among others. The annual total dollar amount of all state awards may not exceed your Cost of Attendance (COA) or $28,600, whichever is less. MHEC may adjust or cancel your award(s) at any time during the year based on receipt of updated information. It is your responsibility to respond promptly to any and all requests for additional information from UMBC’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and/or MHEC.

The Office of Student Financial Assistance, under MHEC, administers over $100 million in assistance to Maryland students who wish to further their education beyond high school. Through the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MCAPS), the Office processes State scholarship applications and allocates available funds.

Oversight of Private Career Schools

MHEC serves as the state's regulator of private career schools (PCS). It sets academic and financial standards and takes legal action when necessary to protect students. No private career school may operate in Maryland without Commission approval. Maryland has more than 130 private career schools from which to choose that offer everything from cosmetology to medical imaging. On this site, you will find a list of Maryland’s private career schools.

Approval Authority for Veterans' Education Programs

The Maryland Higher Education Commission serves as the official State Approving Agency (or SAA), an approving authority for the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In order for a veteran, reservist, or dependent to use G.I. Bill benefits for a veterans education program, the program first must be approved by a state approving agency.

Structure and Governance

MHEC operates as an independent agency of the State of Maryland. The Commission consists of twelve members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Secretary of Higher Education serves as the agency’s head and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Commission. The Commission sets the policies and activities to be carried out by agency staff. The Secretary of Higher Education serves at the pleasure of the Governor and acts as Chief Executive Officer of the agency, performing various duties assigned by the Commission and overseeing the agency's permanent staff of 80 employees.

Key Departments within MHEC

MHEC comprises three departments: Academic Affairs, External and Legislative Relations, and Finance and Administration.

Department of Academic Affairs: Approves academic programs and new institutions, and oversees postsecondary institutions, including private career schools.
Department of External and Legislative Relations: Formerly the Department for Public, Student, Legislative and Corporate Relations.
Department of Finance and Administration: Formerly the Department of Finance Policy and Operations. Under this department, the Office of Information Technology provides technical support and security for MHEC's infrastructure.

Advisory Councils

MHEC benefits from the expertise of several advisory councils, including:

Segmental Advisory Council: Represented on the Council are the six "segments" of the postsecondary community: the University System of Maryland, Morgan State University, St. Mary's College of Maryland, community colleges, private universities and colleges, and private career schools.
Student Advisory Council: Provides advice to the Secretary of Higher Education.
Private Career School Advisory Council: Reviews all new applications from businesses seeking to establish a private career school in Maryland.
Faculty Advisory Council: Appointed by the Secretary of Higher Education, the Council is composed of faculty members representing the segments and institutions of higher education.
Financial Aid Advisory Council: The Council is comprised of financial aid directors and others associated with the six segments of higher education. Members are appointed by the Secretary of Higher Education.

MHEC's Strategic Initiatives

MHEC actively engages in several strategic initiatives to advance higher education in Maryland.

State Plan for Postsecondary Education

Every four years, the Commission reviews and updates the State Plan for Postsecondary Education, and reports on the status and needs of postsecondary education in Maryland. The Plan is developed consistent with the Maryland Charter for Higher Education (adopted in 1988), which sets forth State goals for higher education. The Commission is responsible for developing and updating quadrennially (with appropriate stakeholders) a State Plan for Postsecondary Education. The State Plan describes statewide workforce needs and lists goals and strategies for meeting those needs. The Commission's 2022 State Plan for Higher Education outlines key priorities, including enhancing access to postsecondary education, improving student success, and aligning educational outcomes with workforce needs.

Higher Education Investment Fund

Administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the Higher Education Investment Fund was established by the General Assembly through the Tax Reform Act of 2007. To keep tuition affordable for Marylanders, General Fund appropriations to four-year public colleges and universities are supplemented by the Higher Education Investment Fund. The Fund also may be used for capital projects at these institutions, and for workforce development initiatives.

Maryland Digital Library

The Maryland Digital Library was authorized in October 2004 within the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The Library's purpose is to strengthen cooperation among Maryland academic libraries, and create fiscal efficiencies through such cooperation.

International Education Initiatives

MHEC is actively involved in international education initiatives through its participation in various networks and partnerships. The Commission collaborates with organizations such as the Maryland International Education Consortium (MIEC) to promote global engagement and internationalization among Maryland’s higher education institutions. These partnerships facilitate student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and the development of global competencies among students.

MHEC's Historical Evolution

The origins of the Maryland Higher Education Commission trace back to 1963, with the formation of the Advisory Council on Higher Education. Over the years, the Council underwent several transformations, becoming the Maryland Council on Higher Education in 1968 and the State Board for Higher Education in 1976. Finally, in 1988, the Maryland Higher Education Commission was established, solidifying its role as the state's primary coordinating body for postsecondary education.

Key Functions and Responsibilities of MHEC

MHEC's core functions encompass a wide range of responsibilities, all aimed at ensuring a high-quality and accessible higher education system for Maryland residents. These include:

Policy Development: Establishing statewide policies for public and private colleges and universities, as well as private career schools.
Program Approval: Reviewing and approving new academic programs to ensure alignment with institutional missions and state needs.
Institutional Oversight: Monitoring the performance and quality of higher education institutions within the state.
Financial Aid Administration: Managing and distributing state financial aid programs to support students' access to higher education.
Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering and analyzing data on various aspects of postsecondary education to inform policy decisions.
Accountability: Reviewing accountability reports from public colleges and universities to track progress toward established goals.
Budget Recommendations: Presenting consolidated operating and capital budget recommendations for higher education to the Governor and General Assembly.
Advocacy and Outreach: Providing vision, leadership, and advocacy for higher education institutions and students.

MHEC and the University System of Maryland (USM)

While MHEC oversees the broader higher education landscape, the University System of Maryland (USM) is a distinct entity within that landscape. USM is an independent unit of state government and Maryland’s public higher education system. It comprises 12 institutions and three regional higher education centers, offering over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate/professional degree programs to 171,130 students at 120 sites worldwide.

The USM is governed by a 21-member Board of Regents (BOR) appointed by the governor, president of the Maryland Senate, and speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates. The BOR is responsible for the governance and management of USM and its constituent institutions, centers, and institutes. It appoints the USM chancellor, who serves as its chief executive officer.

MHEC plays a role in the overall coordination and funding of USM, but USM maintains its own governance structure and institutional autonomy.

Funding Mechanisms for Higher Education

MHEC administers various funding mechanisms to support higher education institutions in Maryland, including:

Aid to Community Colleges: Administering the formula-based aid program that provides State funding to community colleges.
Aid to Independent Colleges: Administering funding to eligible independent colleges and universities through the Joseph A. Sellinger funding formula.

MHEC's Impact on Students and Institutions

MHEC's work directly impacts students and institutions across Maryland. By setting policies, administering financial aid, and overseeing institutions, MHEC contributes to:

Increased Access to Higher Education: Financial aid programs and policies aimed at affordability help more students access postsecondary education.
Improved Quality of Education: Program approval processes and institutional oversight ensure that students receive a high-quality education.
Alignment with Workforce Needs: Strategic planning and program development efforts align educational outcomes with the needs of the Maryland workforce.
Protection of Students' Rights: Regulation of private career schools protects students from unscrupulous practices and ensures they receive a quality education.

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