Can I appeal a denial of my Maryland in-state tuition petition?

Yes, if your petition is denied, you may appeal the decision. Contact the residency office at your institution for specific appeal procedures and deadlines. You may also reapply in future semesters if your circumstances change.

Maryland In-State Tuition Requirements Guide 2025-26

Prefer a Quick Reference? Check out our Maryland In-State Tuition Checklist for a condensed summary of requirements and documentation.

2025-26 Maryland In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition at University of Maryland, College Park

Maryland Resident (In-State)

$12,290

Annual tuition & mandatory fees

Non-Resident (Out-of-State)

$42,053

Annual tuition & mandatory fees

Annual Savings

$29,763

Potential in-state savings

Rates retrieved September 27, 2025, from UMD Bill Pay Office. Rates are per academic year and do not include room, board, or differential tuition for Business, Engineering, and Computer Science majors.

The Short Answer: Who Qualifies for Maryland In-State Tuition

Most Critical Challenge: Successfully rebutting the presumption that you reside in Maryland primarily for educational purposes. This is where most petitions fail, even when students meet the technical requirements.

Under Maryland Education Code § 15-106.9 and University System of Maryland Policy VIII-2.70, you qualify for Maryland in-state tuition if you:

Meet all seven residency criteria for 12 consecutive months
Have the legal ability to live permanently in Maryland
Either avoid raising the out-of-state presumption OR successfully rebut it with evidence
Demonstrate your primary purpose for Maryland residence is not educational

Strategic Consideration: While meeting the technical requirements is straightforward, crafting a compelling rebuttal narrative that addresses university concerns requires careful planning and often benefits from experienced guidance.

Maryland In-State Tuition Residency Requirements

Maryland Education Code § 15-106.9 defines the “residency requirement” as “the requirement of a public senior higher education institution for a student to have resided in the State for 12 consecutive months to be considered a resident and receive in–State tuition status.”

Seven Mandatory Criteria (12 Months Each)

Continuously maintain primary living quarters in Maryland
Have substantially all personal property in Maryland
Pay Maryland income tax on all taxable income and file Maryland resident tax returns
Register all owned/leased motor vehicles in Maryland
Possess a valid Maryland driver’s license
Receive no public assistance from other states
Have legal ability to live permanently in Maryland

Rebuttable Presumptions

You raise the out-of-state presumption if you:

Were attending school outside Maryland when you applied
Were living outside Maryland when you applied
Are financially dependent on non-Maryland residents

Rebuttal Strategy: Universities evaluate the totality of circumstances. Simply having Maryland documents may not be sufficient without a coherent narrative explaining your non-educational motivations.

Common Oversight: Many students focus solely on meeting technical requirements while neglecting the crucial aspect of demonstrating intent to remain in Maryland post-graduation for non-educational reasons.

How to Qualify for Maryland In-State Tuition: Strategic Approach

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Immediate)

Secure permanent Maryland address with long-term lease or ownership
Complete immediate legal requirements (license, registration within 60 days)
Establish Maryland banking relationships
Begin documenting non-educational reasons for Maryland residence

Phase 2: Evidence Development (Months 1-12)

Build employment history demonstrating career commitment to Maryland
Establish community ties through professional or civic involvement
Maintain detailed records of financial independence or family connections
Document specific Maryland-based future plans and opportunities

Critical Period: The strength of evidence you build during this phase often determines petition success. Universities look for patterns that demonstrate genuine intent beyond education.

Phase 3: Strategic Documentation (Month 11+)

Begin assembling petition materials with focus on presenting a cohesive narrative that addresses university decision-makers’ primary concerns about student motivation and long-term commitment to Maryland.

Phase 4: Petition Submission & Follow-up

Submit comprehensive petition package by university deadline, with follow-up strategy prepared for potential requests for additional information or appeal processes.

Evidence & Documentation Strategy for Maryland In-State Tuition

Document Type	Primary Purpose	Strategic Considerations
Maryland Driver’s License	Legal Maryland residence	Must demonstrate continuous use, not just possession
Vehicle Registration	Maryland domicile	All vehicles must be registered; partial compliance can raise questions
Maryland Tax Returns	Financial ties and resident status	Must file as resident; partial year filings require explanation
Employment Documentation	Non-educational motivation	Career progression and long-term prospects carry more weight than part-time positions
Community Involvement	Intent to remain post-graduation	Professional organizations and civic commitments demonstrate investment in Maryland’s future

Documentation Strategy: Universities review thousands of petitions annually. Those that succeed typically present evidence in a structured narrative that proactively addresses common concerns rather than simply listing requirements met.

Financial Independence Analysis

Financial dependency determinations can be complex, particularly for students with mixed funding sources. The expense table calculation methodology and supporting documentation requirements vary significantly based on individual circumstances and require careful attention to detail.

Special Circumstances and Exceptions to Maryland In-State Tuition Requirements

Military Personnel & Veterans

Active duty uniformed services stationed in Maryland
Veterans honorably discharged who reside in Maryland
Veterans using Montgomery G.I. Bill (90+ days service)
Post-9/11 G.I. Bill transferred benefits users
Spouses and dependents of qualifying military

Service Programs

AmeriCorps participants who completed service in Maryland (per § 15-106.9)
Maryland Corps Program participants
Peace Corps volunteers domiciled in Maryland
Maryland National Guard members with critical skills

Maryland Dream Act (§ 15-106.8)

Attended Maryland high school
Graduated from Maryland high school or received Maryland GED
Registered within 6 years of graduation
Filed appropriate affidavits and documentation

Complex Cases: Students with mixed immigration status or unique family circumstances may need specialized guidance to navigate the intersection of federal and state requirements.

Employment-Based Exceptions

Full-time USM employees (50%+ time)
Graduate assistants during appointment term
First-year Maryland public school teachers
Federal employees with specialized Maryland assignments

Regional Tuition Savings Programs for Maryland Residents

Important Distinction: These programs affect tuition pricing but do not establish Maryland residency status. Students should understand the long-term implications for their residency classification.

Academic Common Market (SREB)

Maryland participates in the Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market for 2025-26. Students can attend participating out-of-state institutions at in-state rates for programs unavailable at Maryland public institutions.

Maryland Higher Education Commission – ACM

Contact: MHEC Academic Common Market

For program searches: SREB Program Search

Maryland University System Residency Offices

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland In-State Tuition

How long must I live in Maryland to qualify for in-state tuition?

You must fulfill all residency criteria for at least 12 consecutive months before the semester for which you seek in-state classification. However, simply meeting the time requirement is insufficient—you must also demonstrate that your primary purpose for Maryland residence is not educational.

Can I qualify for Maryland in-state tuition if I’m financially dependent on out-of-state parents?

If you are financially dependent on parents who are not Maryland residents, you are presumed to be residing in Maryland primarily for educational purposes. You may rebut this presumption with evidence of independent reasons for living in Maryland, but this is challenging and often requires professional guidance to navigate successfully.

What documentation do I need to prove Maryland residency for tuition purposes?

Required documentation includes Maryland driver’s license, vehicle registration, Maryland tax returns, lease agreements or property deeds, bank statements, employment records, and voter registration. The specific combination and presentation of evidence can significantly impact your petition’s success.

Are there exceptions to the 12-month Maryland residency requirement?

Yes, exceptions include active military personnel stationed in Maryland, veterans, AmeriCorps participants, Maryland National Guard members, Peace Corps volunteers, and certain undocumented students who qualify under the Maryland Dream Act. Each exception has specific documentation requirements that must be carefully met.

What happens if my petition is denied?

If your petition is denied, you may appeal the decision through your institution’s established procedures. Understanding the specific reasons for denial and addressing them strategically in an appeal or future petition is crucial for eventual success.

How do universities evaluate “intent” to remain in Maryland?

Universities examine objective evidence of your commitment to Maryland beyond education, including career trajectory, professional licensing, property ownership, family relationships, and community involvement. The evaluation process considers the totality of circumstances rather than any single factor.

Legally reviewed by the author — Roger K. Neustadt, JD (Last reviewed: 2025-09-27, Academic Year 2025–26)

Roger K. Neustadt is a licensed attorney admitted to practice in Georgia (Bar #539120). This guide provides informational content based on current Maryland statutes and University System of Maryland policies. Hilltop Monitor, LLC provides advisory services to students navigating complex residency classification matters.

Legal Disclaimer

Informational Purposes Only: This guide provides general information about Maryland in-state tuition requirements and should not be considered legal advice. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and residency determinations involve complex factual and legal considerations that may benefit from professional evaluation.

No Attorney-Client Relationship: Use of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Roger K. Neustadt, JD, or Hilltop Monitor, LLC.

Methodology: Information compiled from primary sources including Maryland Education Code, University System of Maryland policies, and official university websites. All statutory citations verified for accuracy as of publication date.

Update Policy: Content reviewed quarterly for policy changes. Last updated: September 27, 2025. For the most current information, consult official university sources.

2025-26 Maryland In-State Tuition Requirements: Complete Qualification Guide