Undocumented Students: In-State Tuition At University Of Maryland?

The University of Maryland is a public state university where Maryland residents benefit from reduced in-state tuition rates. Undocumented students can qualify for in-state tuition under the Maryland Dream Act, but they must meet certain requirements and submit specific documentation. This includes graduating from a Maryland high school, registering for college within six years of high school graduation, and providing documentation of their parent or guardian's Maryland income tax returns for the previous three years. Additionally, they must sign an affidavit stating their intention to apply for permanent residency within 30 days of becoming eligible. Maryland is one of 24 states that offer in-state tuition to undocumented students, and it also provides access to state financial aid through the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA).

• Graduated from a Maryland secondary school or received a GED
• Register as a student in college no later than 6 years after graduating from high school or receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma
• Provide documentation that the student or the student’s parent or legal guardian has filed an annual Maryland income tax return for three years the individual attended a high school in the state
• Sign an affidavit stating that they will apply for permanent residency within 30 days of becoming eligible
• In the case of an individual who is required to register with the Selective Service System, provide documentation that the individual has complied with the registration requirement | | Are undocumented students eligible for state financial aid? | Yes | | Are undocumented students eligible for federal financial aid? | No |

Undocumented students initially classified as out-of-state

Undocumented students are initially classified as out-of-state or international students at the University of Maryland due to their immigration status. However, depending on their individual circumstances, they may be eligible for in-state tuition status.

To qualify for in-state tuition, undocumented students must meet the following conditions:

• Attended and graduated from a public or nonpublic Maryland secondary school
• Register as a student in college no later than 6 years after graduating from high school or receiving a GED
• Provide documentation that the student or the student’s parent or legal guardian has filed an annual Maryland income tax return for the three years the individual attended a high school in the state
• Sign an affidavit stating that they will apply for permanent residency within 30 days of becoming eligible
• If required to register with the Selective Service System, provide documentation that the individual has complied with the registration requirement

Additionally, undocumented students must meet the basic requirements for in-state status, including owning or renting living quarters in Maryland, having personal property in Maryland, paying Maryland income tax, registering vehicles in Maryland, possessing a valid Maryland driver's license, and being registered to vote in Maryland.

Undocumented students who meet the eligibility criteria for in-state tuition can also apply for various state financial aid grants and scholarships, such as the Educational Assistance Grant, Guaranteed Access Grant, Campus-Based Educational Assistance Grant, Delegate Scholarship, and Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship, through the Maryland One App.

Requirements to qualify for in-state tuition

To qualify for in-state tuition at the University of Maryland, you must meet the following requirements:

• Own or rent and continuously occupy living quarters in Maryland
• Have substantially all personal property in Maryland
• Pay Maryland income tax on all taxable income
• Register all vehicles in Maryland
• If licensed, possess a valid Maryland driver's license
• If registered, be registered to vote in Maryland
• Receive no public assistance from a state other than Maryland or from a city, county, or municipal agency other than one in Maryland
• Have the legal ability under the law to live permanently and without interruption in Maryland
• Rebut the presumption that you are in Maryland primarily to attend an educational institution

These requirements must be met for a period of at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to and including the last date available to register for courses in the semester/term for which you seek in-state tuition status.

In addition, undocumented students must meet the following conditions to qualify for in-state tuition:

• Attended a public or nonpublic Maryland secondary school
• Graduated from a Maryland secondary school or received a GED
• Register as a student in college no later than six years after graduating from high school or receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma
• Provide documentation that the student or the student's parent or legal guardian has filed an annual Maryland income tax return for the three years the individual attended a high school in the state
• Sign an affidavit stating that they will apply for permanent residency within 30 days of becoming eligible
• In the case of an individual who is required to register with the Selective Service System, provide documentation that the individual has complied with the registration requirement

Furthermore, veterans and their spouses and dependent children who do not meet the standard requirements for in-state status may still be granted in-state tuition benefits if they meet certain conditions, such as honorable discharge, a minimum of 90 days of military service, and the use of specific GI Bill benefits.

Scholarships and grants for undocumented students

The state of Maryland allows eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates and access state financial aid at any of its colleges and universities. Undocumented students who graduated from a Maryland high school and completed their associate's degree at a Maryland community college may be eligible for in-state tuition rates.

Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid and have limited access to state aid. However, there are still some scholarships and grants available for them. Here are some options:

• TheDream.US: This organisation offers two scholarships for undocumented students who came to the US before the age of 16 and before November 1, 2019. The National Scholarship is for students eligible for in-state tuition at one of their partner colleges, while the Opportunity Scholarship is for students in "locked-out" states who cannot get in-state tuition.
• UMBC Grant: Beginning in the 2019-2020 award year, undocumented and DACA students at UMBC can apply for this need-based grant, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for the year.
• UMBC Merit Scholarships: UMBC offers merit scholarships to all qualified entering freshmen, including undocumented and DACA students, based on academic performance, including high school cumulative GPA and SAT/ACT scores.
• Maryland State Financial Aid: Undocumented students who are eligible for in-state tuition can apply for various state financial aid grants and scholarships using the MHEC One App. These include the Educational Assistance Grant, Guaranteed Access Grant, Campus-Based Educational Assistance Grant, Delegate Scholarship(s), Senatorial Scholarship(s), Near Completer Grant, and Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship.
• Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship: Since 2019, eligible Maryland students, including those who are undocumented, can attend community college tuition-free under this scholarship program.
• Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship

Health insurance and vaccination requirements

The University of Maryland requires all students to have health insurance. Students will be charged for the university's insurance at the start of the semester unless they already have health insurance. Students with existing insurance must fill out a waiver at the start of the semester and show proof of insurance by a specified deadline to have the charge removed.

Undergraduate students registered for 6 or more credits are automatically enrolled in the University of Maryland Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Undergraduate students with existing US health insurance may apply for a waiver. All graduate students enrolled full-time in a master's or doctoral program must have health insurance and are automatically enrolled in SHIP.

All students are required by the University Health Center to submit an Immunization Form before arrival. The form can be found on the Health Center's website, along with step-by-step instructions for completion. Students must also complete the online Tuberculosis Risk Screening by going to www.myuhc.umd.edu or by filling in Section D of the University of Maryland Immunization Record Form. If any response is "YES", the student must undergo a Quantiferon Gold or T-Spot test in the United States within the past 12 months. Any lab report for the Quantiferon Gold test must be brought to campus, otherwise, the test will need to be performed at the University Health Center by appointment.

The University of Maryland's mandatory immunization requirements include:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Positive antibody titer for all three components (lab report or physician verification required) or a two-dose vaccination series administered after 12 months of age.
• Varicella (Chickenpox): Positive antibody titer (lab report or physician verification required) or a two-dose vaccination series.
• Hepatitis B: Completed vaccination series and positive antibody titer (lab report or physician verification required) or a positive antibody titer alone (lab report or physician verification required).
• Td or Tdap booster within the past 10 years.
• COVID-19 vaccine: Required for students whose educational requirements involve participating in activities at clinical or field sites.
• Influenza vaccine: Due annually by November 1st, 2023, and required for health science students participating in clinical rotations.
• Meningococcal vaccination: Required for Maryland students residing in on-campus student housing.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Screening: Submit negative TB screening results within the past 12 months and complete the UMB Student Annual TB Risk Screening Questionnaire. Any student with a history of positive TB screening results must submit documentation of the positive TB test, a negative chest x-ray within five years, and complete the UMB Student Symptom-Based TB Screening Questionnaire.

Support and resources for undocumented students

Undocumented students in Maryland have access to a range of support and resources to help them pursue higher education. The state is classified as a Comprehensive Access state, which means it provides inclusive in-state tuition and state financial aid policies for undocumented students.

To qualify for in-state tuition, undocumented students must meet the following requirements:

• Attend a public or non-public Maryland secondary school
• Graduate from a Maryland secondary school or receive a GED
• Register as a student in college no later than 6 years after graduating from high school or receiving its equivalent
• Provide documentation that the student or their parent/legal guardian has filed a Maryland income tax return for the years the individual attended high school in the state
• Sign an affidavit stating they will apply for permanent residency within 30 days of becoming eligible
• If required, provide documentation of compliance with the Selective Service System registration requirement

Undocumented students who meet the above conditions and fill out the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) are eligible for state financial aid. This includes grants and scholarships such as the Educational Assistance Grant, the Guaranteed Access Grant, and the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship. The One App is available for students who are ineligible for federal aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application allows qualified children of undocumented immigrants to apply for certain types of state need-based financial aid.

In addition to financial support, Maryland also provides undocumented residents with access to driver's licenses and state identification. Undocumented immigrants can apply for a non-compliant driver's license or state ID card by obtaining an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and filing Maryland income taxes for the two years preceding their application.

Undocumented students play an important role in higher education and the economy, and Maryland's support and resources for this population help to ensure their success and contribution to the state and the country.

Frequently asked questions