What is the Maryland Dream Act?
The In-State Tuition Bill, or the “Maryland Dream Act,” as it is often called, is a new law that allows you to qualify for in-state tuition rates at Maryland community colleges and state universities regardless of your immigration status!
I WOULD LIKE TO GO TO COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND PAY IN-STATE RATES. AM I ELIGIBLE?
You are eligible if:
1. You started community college in the Fall of 2011 or after.
• Important: You have to go to community college not later than 4 years after getting your high school diploma. (To see a list of community colleges in Maryland, click here)
AND
2. You attended a Maryland high school (public or private) for three years, beginning in 2005 or after and received a diploma* in the 2007-2008 school year or after.
• Unfortunately, this means if you graduated before the 2007-2008 school year, you do not qualify under this new law.
AND
3. Your parent(s) or legal guardian filed Maryland taxes
-for the years you were in high school,
-for the years you are in community college, AND
-for any years in between high school and community college.
• Important: Parents or students can file taxes for years that have already passed, (called “back taxes”). Click here to see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for more information on how to file income taxes.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
• Registration in the Selective Service: If you are male between the ages of 18 and 26, you must provide the community college with proof that you registered with the Selective Service System. The Selective Service System is a registration system for the U.S. military. You can click here to register with the Selective Service
• Promise to apply for a green card when eligible: You must also provide an affidavit to your community college that you will apply to become a green card holder no later than 30 days after you are eligible to apply for a green card. An affidavit is a signed written statement where you state that you will do something. Click here to open an affidavit (sworn statement). Remember, you have to get it notarized for it to be valid.
AND
• Your primary and permanent home must be in the United States.
Note: You can also pay in-county rates if you went to a high school in the same county as the community college. All the rules above apply.
Have more questions? Need help understanding if you are eligible?
Email Alma at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
DISCLAIMER: The content of this website is intended for general information purposes only and is not legal advice.
