"Omg, I can't believe this exists. It's my favorite purchase ever already!"
DESIGN
for life
This is your main shop page and we've populated it with a number of different kinds of grids so you can find the one that works best for your brand.
What is the Sellinger Program?
The Sellinger Program is Maryland’s partnership with the State’s independent colleges and universities. Established in 1973, it ensures that Maryland students from all backgrounds have access to high-quality education and that Maryland benefits from the innovation, research, and workforce development that independent institutions provide.
In 1993, the Sellinger Program was named after Fr. Joseph A. Sellinger, the former president of Loyola College (now Loyola University Maryland) and a respected leader in higher education.
The Sellinger Program was created by the State of Maryland to recognize that independent colleges and universities are vital partners in meeting Maryland’s higher education and workforce needs. For over 50 years, the program has provided State funding to independent institutions.
The Sellinger Program operates through a self-adjusting formula that links funding for Maryland’s independent colleges and universities to the per-student appropriation of the State’s public four-year institutions.
This connection fosters collaboration across Maryland’s entire higher education system—public universities, community colleges, and independent institutions—creating a shared framework for access, quality, and accountability.
In good economic times and in challenging ones, the formula ensures that all boats rise and fall together, reinforcing a balanced, equitable approach to higher education funding statewide.
For FY25, the Sellinger Program provided $72.6 million to MICUA institutions, with $61.6 million supporting financial aid for Maryland students and the remainder funding student services, health and wellness initiatives, workforce development efforts, and accessibility programs.
Why it matters
For Students
More than 55,000 students attend MICUA member institutions each year. The Sellinger Program expands financial aid and opens doors for Maryland students who might not otherwise be able to afford private education.
Students often cite Sellinger support as the reason they can stay enrolled, choose the institution where they learn best, and reduce financial stress while completing their degrees.
For Communities
Independent institutions contribute billions of dollars to the State economy annually and anchor communities through service, healthcare, cultural programs, and innovation.
Students highlight a desire to give back — many plan to serve Maryland through roles in healthcare, mental health, K-12 education, public service, and nonprofit leadership.
For Maryland’s Future
The Sellinger Program strengthens Maryland’s workforce pipeline in critical fields like nursing, education, cybersecurity, and STEM.
Support is especially meaningful for first-generation students and students from underrepresented backgrounds who plan to remain in Maryland after graduation.
Its legacy is strong, and its future impact will be even greater.
Sellinger support reaches students across the state — including first-generation learners, adult students returning to school, and Maryland residents preparing for careers in nursing, education, mental health, and public service. It helps students remain enrolled through financial challenges and choose institutions where they can thrive.
Want to see where Sellinger support makes a difference?
Learn more about Maryland’s independent colleges and universities.
meet our members