Maryland High School Graduates (Maryland Dream Act)

Eligibility

• Attended a public or nonpublic high school in Maryland; 
• Graduated from a public or nonpublic high school in Maryland or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Maryland; 
• 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 nonpublic high school in Maryland or receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma in Maryland; 
• 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; 
• If applicable, provides the institution with documentation that the student has complied with the requirement to register with the Selective Service System; 
• 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;  
  and, 
• An individual shall retain the individual’s tuition status at a public institution of higher education if the individual: 
  • 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  
  • 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.  

To Apply

Documentation must be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission. 

Steps to Apply: 

1. Submit the completed Nonresident Tuition Exemption for Eligible Maryland High School Graduates form
2. Submit the following Documents: 
   • Sealed Official High School Transcript
   • Notarized copy of an affidavit regarding filing of application to become a permanent resident within 30 days after the individual becomes eligible
   • Documentation of registration with the Selective Service System
   • Individual’s or the individual’s parent or legal guardian Certified Maryland income tax return annually for the 3-year period before the academic year which the tuition exemption would apply with Maryland address
   • Individual’s birth certificate or the individual’s legal guardianship documentation matching the name of tax filer if filer is other than the student. Please note that all birth certificates must be submitted in English. If not issued originally in English, the original language must be translated to English prior to submission of the application.
3. Submit the documents and form either by: 
   • Personally deliver all requisite documentation to the Office of the Registrar located in Suite 240 of the Health Sciences and Human Services Library at 601 W. Lombard St.
     or
   • Mail Your Documents: If you mail your DREAM ACT application, be sure to obtain delivery confirmation. Dream Act applications must be postmarked on or prior to the deadline for the term you are submitting the application. Dream Act applications received after the posted submission date will be returned.
     
     Mail documents to:
     Office of the Registrar
     601 W. Lombard St.
     Suite 240
     Baltimore, MD 21201

Dream Act  Submission Dates

*Please note that any Dream Act Application and accompanying documentation will be returned to a student unprocessed if it is received prior to the applicable “Submission Begin Date” listed above.

Your completed DREAM ACT application, signed and dated, should be mailed or personally delivered to the Office of the Registrar located in Suite 240 of the Health Sciences and Human Services Library at 601 W. Lombard St. Your DREAM ACT application will not be accepted in any electronic format. If you mail your DREAM ACT application, be sure to obtain delivery confirmation. DREAM ACT applications must be postmarked on or prior to the deadline for the term you are submitting the application.  DREAM ACT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE POSTED SUBMISSION DATE WILL BE RETURNED.  

Helpful Links

• Comptroller of Maryland: Request certified copies of Maryland tax returns.
• Office of International Services — University of Maryland, Baltimore
• Public Notaries in Maryland: Request for documents to be notarized.
• State of Maryland Voter Information: Verify or change your voter registration.
• State of Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Request driving record or obtain vehicle registration and vehicle title documentation.
• New to Maryland Driver Licensing Information.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USISC)
• Request for copy of tax return: MD Form 129 
• Selective Service Verification

We request that all students keep a copy of the information submitted for the Maryland Dream Act. If you need a copy of your submitted information, please provide a signed release form to the Residency Reclassification Team to obtain it.
All inquiries regarding this exemption should be directed to the Office of the Registrar by calling 410-706-7480 or sending an email to residency@umaryland.edu.

Non-Resident Tuition Exemption checklist