The Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA) represents 13 state-aided private nonprofit institutions of higher education in Maryland. We are a diverse group of schools – 25% of our students are low-income Pell recipients and 48% are students of color – and we are proud to offer over 1,700 approved academic programs and award degrees in the fields of liberal arts, STEM, nursing, engineering, teaching, cybersecurity, and more. Over the past 5 years, we have awarded over 77,000 degrees. While receiving only 4% of the State’s investment in higher education, we serve 17% of the State’s college students and operate as net importers of talent and our graduates often stay in Maryland to join the workforce and support the economy.
During the 2023 Legislative Session, the MICUA priorities are as follows.
Full Funding for the Sellinger Program
For almost 240 years, Maryland’s independent nonprofit colleges and universities have been an integral part of the State’s system of postsecondary education. For the past 50 years, support has been provided to our 13 state-aided institutions through the Sellinger Program. The Program awards State aid to independent colleges through a formula linked to enrollment and to the per-student appropriation of selected four-year public institutions. This self-adjusting formula links independent institutions in Maryland with the other segments of higher education in a cooperative partnership that stands out as a national model.
Maryland students benefit directly from the State’s generous support of the MICUA institutions through the Sellinger Program. MICUA members utilize 85-90% of this funding for financial aid to ensure that every Maryland student has access to the institution that will best meet their interests and needs. The balance of Sellinger funding is used to promote access, success, and innovation supports and services. These include programs to: Ensure equitable access to affordable higher education; Target financial aid to those with the greatest needs; Increase diversity; Close the achievement gap; and Help the State to meet its workforce needs.
MICUA requests that the Legislature support the Governor’s budget and fully fund the Sellinger Program, and in turn, MICUA commits to continuing to provide a strong return on the State’s investment.
Support for the Governor’s Capital Budget
The Capital Budget includes the following four MICUA projects for a total of $13.5 million: renovating STEM laboratories at Capitol Technology University; renovating the School of Education at the Johns Hopkins University; renovating Donnelly Science Center at Loyola University Maryland; and renovating four academic spaces on the Washington College campus to address safety and accessibility concerns. MICUA requests that the Legislature support the Governor’s budget and fully fund the MICUA Capital Grant Program. Read more.
Federal Student Aid
Adequate funding for Pell Grants, campus-based aid, and student loans remains a top priority for Maryland’s independent colleges and universities and is essential to the future strength and competitiveness of the nation. As Congress considers changes in this area, it must protect the essential role of federal student aid in providing access, choice, and opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students regardless of family income.
Maryland Student Aid
The State of Maryland has an extensive array of financial aid programs in the form of grants, scholarships, and other awards for students who want to further their education beyond high school. To learn more about the State’s financial aid programs, click here.
For further information, contact: Matt Power, mpower@micua.org; Angela Sherman, asherman@micua.org; or Irnande Altema, ialtema@micua.org
