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HB 207

Higher Education - Undocumented Students - Out-of-State Tuition Exemption Eligibility

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cheryl Pasteur

HB 207 allows undocumented students meeting residency requirements to pay in-state tuition at Maryland public universities instead of higher out-of-state rates.

Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
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Bill Summary · HB 207

Legislative bill overview

HB 207 expands eligibility for Maryland's in-state tuition rate to include undocumented students who meet specific residency and academic requirements. Currently, undocumented immigrants typically pay out-of-state tuition rates at Maryland public universities, regardless of how long they've lived in the state. This bill would allow qualifying undocumented students to access the significantly lower in-state tuition rates.

Why is this important

In-state tuition is substantially cheaper than out-of-state rates—often 50-75% less expensive—making higher education more financially accessible for undocumented students who grew up in Maryland. This directly affects college affordability and educational opportunity for a population that currently faces significant barriers to pursuing post-secondary education. The bill could increase college enrollment and completion rates among undocumented residents while affecting state university revenue and budget considerations.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to institutions and state budget: Reduced tuition revenue could impact university funding, though the fiscal impact depends on enrollment numbers and whether it's offset by increased enrollment of these students
  • Definition of residency requirements: Determining what constitutes sufficient Maryland residency for undocumented students (who may lack traditional documentation) requires careful operational implementation
  • Federal immigration policy interaction: The bill operates within state authority but may face scrutiny regarding alignment with federal immigration enforcement priorities and federal education funding requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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