2022 Maryland State Plan for Higher Education

Overview & Synopsis

The Maryland Higher Education Commission is tasked to develop and periodically update the State Plan for Higher Education. This document, the "2022 Maryland State Plan for Higher Education," is an update to the 2017-2021 Maryland State Plan for Higher Education. This 2022 State Plan is written during a time of pivotal change. The present and future needs for postsecondary education and research throughout Maryland are currently changing, particularly considering the following: (1) The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how institutions provide education to the public and what kind of education is provided; (2) The expected national decreases in high school graduates beginning in 2025 will potentially impact undergraduate enrollment; (3) Advances in technology and changes in the economic infrastructure will continue to change the needs of the workforce, in which postsecondary education will need to adapt with these changes; and (4) Postsecondary education in Maryland will benefit greatly from an exercise that evaluates the systemic inequalities of access and success with the intent to engage innovation to dismantle those inequalities. Maryland is fortunate to have an array of public, private, and independent schools, colleges, and universities in the state. With 13 public institutions of higher education, 16 community colleges, 20 private and independent institutions, and over 130 private career schools, Marylanders have access to a wide range of postsecondary educational opportunities. This 2022 State Plan includes references to recent reports regarding progress towards the existing three goals: Access, Success, and Innovation. Additionally, there is commentary regarding the realities Maryland has faced in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and current considerations. Before moving into the long range and short range objectives and priorities for postsecondary education, this State Plan emphasizes the importance of an equity lens in addressing the goals and priorities. Finally, specific priorities regarding access and success through innovation are provided, as well as concrete action items. This 2022 State Plan complies with Maryland's equal educational opportunity obligations under state and federal law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and incorporates the goals and priorities for higher education identified in Maryland law (such as Education Article §10-209 and §12-106). The primary purpose of this 2022 State Plan is to serve as a guiding document for postsecondary education in Maryland. It is not a strategic plan for any one organization, but instead is a document that establishes three primary goals for postsecondary education in Maryland: (1) Ensure equitable access to affordable and high-quality postsecondary education for all Maryland residents; (2) Promote and implement practices and policies that will ensure student success; and (3) Foster innovation in all aspects of Maryland higher education to improve access and student success. These goals were established in the 2017-2021 Maryland State Plan for Higher Education. However, new priorities are presented in this 2022 State Plan as a reflection of additional and evolving needs for Maryland students. Any individual or organization that is engaged with postsecondary education in Maryland, such as state agencies, employers, high school counselors, and state and federal social services, should consider this 2022 State Plan as a guiding document for alignment to statewide policies, initiatives, interventions, and strategic plans. Mission statements for public institutions should be consistent with this 2022 Maryland State Plan for Higher Education.