MarylandSB 03242026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Higher Education - Public Senior Higher Education Institutions - Direct Admission Program and Study

Sponsored By: Malcolm Augustine (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Higher EducationPrimary and Secondary EducationApplicants and ApplicationsClassifications and DesignationsContracts -see also- ProcurementCurriculumData -see also- Census; DemographicsEducation, State Department ofFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Higher Education CommissionIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.NoticesPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchRemote and Hybrid EducationReportsScholarships and Student Financial AidSecondary Schools -see also- Private Schools; Public SchStandards and Best PracticesState Universities and CollegesStudentsStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsSunsetWaivers

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Automatic college offers for Maryland seniors

Beginning in the 2028–2029 school year, Maryland runs a Direct Admission Program. The Maryland Higher Education Commission and the State Department of Education identify eligible high school seniors each year. The Commission sends conditional admission offers from participating public colleges to those students. Offers are conditional and do not guarantee entry to a specific program.

Fee-free direct admission for eligible students

State agencies and participating colleges set eligibility rules in a memorandum. The rules include completing the College and Career Readiness standard and a minimum high school GPA. Participating public colleges must waive application fees for students who apply through the Direct Admission Program. They must offer conditional admission to students who meet the memorandum rules. Colleges may add extra course requirements but must report them each year.

Colleges can revoke conditional admission

Participating colleges can verify your information after a conditional offer. They can withdraw the offer if you do not earn a high school diploma by the matriculation date, do not meet the memorandum rules, commit academic misconduct, or show a major grade decline that would justify revocation under normal standards.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Malcolm Augustine
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 1

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 136 • No: 1 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/20/2026