St. Mary’s grants admission to students regardless of citizenship. The Maryland Dream Act provides the opportunity for some non-U.S. citizens who attended high school in Maryland to receive in-state tuition.
Requirements
In order to qualify for this exemption at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, students must meet the following requirements:
- Provides official high school transcripts indicating attendance at a public or nonpublic high school in Maryland for at least three academic years not earlier than the 2005-2006 school year;
- Graduated from a public or nonpublic high school in Maryland or receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma from the state not earlier than the 2007-2008 school year (official transcript indicating date of graduation is required);
- Enrolls in the college within four years after graduating from a public or nonpublic secondary school in the state or receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma in the state;
- Provides documentation that the individual, or the individual’s parent or legal guardian has filed a Maryland income tax return, request a certified copy of taxes on Maryland Comptroller’s website or visit the Maryland Comptroller of the Treasury Office at 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD.
- annually for the three years that coincide with the individual’s attendance at a public or nonpublic secondary school in the state (home-schooled students are subject to this requirement in the same manner);
- annually each year between secondary school attendance and enrolling at the college,
- annually while attending a community college;
- Provides an affidavit stating that the individual will file an application to become a permanent resident within 30 days after the individual becomes eligible to do so;
- Provides an affidavit stating that the individual has registered with the selective service system. (This currently applies to all males 18- 25. Proof of selective service registration can be obtained by filing with the Post Office and returning a receipt to the College that shows proof of registration or by providing a selective service card.)
Procedures for Requesting this Exemption from Nonresident Tuition
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 College no longer offers this exemption. The exemption permits undocumented individuals to pay the in-state tuition rate based on the location of your high school. If you have received a GED, the tuition rate would be based on where you most recently attended high school.
To determine eligibility, students must complete and submit the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Undocumented Student Affidavit to the Admissions Office.
Applying for the exemption does not alter your responsibility to pay by the College deadline any nonresident tuition and associated fees that may be due before your eligibility is determined.
For specific instructions regarding documentation and deadlines, contact the Admissions Office.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland Dream Act Requirements (PDF)