Changing Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes

University System of Maryland Nonresident Tuition Differential Exemption – Maryland Dream Act

The Maryland Dream Act allows undocumented immigrants who graduated from a Maryland high school the opportunity to qualify for a non-resident tuition differential at public colleges and universities upon meeting certain eligibility requirements and submitting required documentation. Interested applicants must meet all requirements of the Nonresident Tuition Exemption for Eligible Maryland High School Graduates PDF. 

As authorized under Annotated Education Code of Maryland § 15-­‐106.8

• Maryland Form 129 - Request For Copy of Tax Return

General Information

Any student, other than a non-immigrant alien, within the meaning of 8 U.S.C. § 1101(A)(15), who meets all of the following requirements, shall be exempt from paying the non-resident tuition differential at all public colleges and universities in Maryland.

Requirements:

1. Attended a public or nonpublic high school in Maryland;
2. Graduated from a public or nonpublic high school in Maryland or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Maryland;
3. Registers as an entering student at a public institution of higher education in Maryland not later than 6 years after graduating from a public or non-public high school in Maryland or receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma in Maryland;
4. If applicable, provides the institution with a copy of an affidavit regarding the filing of an application to become a permanent resident within 30 days after the individual becomes eligible to do so;
5. If applicable, provides the institution with documentation that the student has complied with the requirement to register with the Selective Service System;
6. Provides the institution with documentation that the individual or the individual’s parent or legal guardian has filed a Maryland income tax return annually for the 3-year period before the academic year in which the tuition rate exemption would apply;
7. An individual shall retain the individual’s tuition status at a public institution of higher education if the individual:
   1. Uses an address in the State on the Maryland income tax return of the individual or the individual’s parent or legal guardian annually until the individual is awarded a degree from the public institution of higher education; and
   2. On or after June 15, 2012, was exempt from paying the out-of-state or out-of-county tuition rate at a public institution of higher education.

Procedures for Requesting an exemption from Non-Resident Tuition

Your institution has established deadlines for submission of exemption requests; however, requests are not to be submitted until you have been admitted to a USM institution. Once you are determined to be eligible for the exemption, you will continue to receive it as long as you fulfill the eligibility requirements or until the University no longer offers this exemption. The exemption covers the Nonresident Tuition differential and the Educational Fee differential charged to non-residents. Applying for the exemption does not alter your responsibility to pay by the campus deadline any non-resident tuition and associated fees that may be due before your eligibility is determined. If you are granted the exemption, any differential will be refunded. For institution-specific instructions regarding documentation and deadline dates, contact:

UMGC Residency Department
residency@umgc.edu
240-684-2107

** Students that hold DACA status should not apply for Maryland’s Dream Act. Students should complete the Maryland Residency form on the application to request to be considered eligible for in-state tuition rates.