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Maryland State Approval for Colleges and Career Schools

Establishing a college or university in Maryland involves navigating the regulatory framework set by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). This guide provides a straightforward explanation of the steps necessary to obtain state approval, including submitting required documents and forms.

Get State Approval Maryland

Understanding the Regulatory Framework

Under Maryland’s regulations, an “In-State institution” refers to a degree-granting institution whose primary campus is in Maryland and whose authority to grant degrees is conferred by Maryland. The approval process involves two stages, which must be completed before the Secretary of Higher Education grants institutional approval to operate.

Steps to Obtain State Approval

Stage One Application

  1. Initial Steps:
    • Review State Requirements: Familiarize yourself with Maryland’s regulations and ensure your institution meets the basic eligibility criteria for licensure.
    • Contact MHEC: Reach out to the Maryland Higher Education Commission to request the Stage One application form and guidelines.
  1. Prepare Documentation:
    • Compelling Need and Demand: Demonstrate a compelling regional or statewide need and demand for the proposed programs.
    • Financial Resources: Provide evidence of adequate financial resources to establish and maintain the institution.
    • Additional Information: Include any additional information the Secretary of Higher Education requires.
  1. Submission:
    • Submit the completed Stage One application form, required documentation, and the non-refundable application fee.
    • The application will be distributed to all higher educational institutions in Maryland for a comment period.
  1. Review and Decision:
    • The Secretary will consider all comments and objections received and may request additional information from the applicant.
    • The final decision on the Stage One proposal will be made public at a regularly scheduled Maryland Higher Education Commission meeting.
    • If approved, the institution can proceed to complete and submit the Stage Two application.

Who approves a new college or trade school in Maryland?

In Maryland, a private college and a private career school (trade school) each need a Certificate of Approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), through two different application routes.
An MHEC Certificate of Approval depends on proof of demand for the school's programs.

AEC's founder, Dr. Ramin Golbaghi, went through these approvals as a school owner. He founded and led a private postsecondary school, he personally obtained state approval to operate, ACCSC institutional accreditation, Title IV certification, VA education benefits approval, WIOA/I-TRAIN workforce eligibility and SEVP certification.

 
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Opening in more than one state? See state approval requirements in all 50 states.

Stage Two Application

  1. Detailed Documentation:
    • Compliance with Minimum Requirements: Demonstrate compliance with Maryland’s minimum requirements, including organization and administration, mission and goals, admissions, graduation requirements, faculty, library and learning resources, student services and activities, facilities, finances, catalog, and other publications.
    • Financial Guarantee and Insurance: Provide a guarantee (surety bond or letter of credit) and evidence of sufficient insurance.
    • Business License: Obtain and submit a license to operate as a business entity in Maryland.
  1. Submission and Review:
    • Submit the completed Stage Two application form and all required documentation to MHEC.
    • The Secretary will appoint an evaluation team to conduct an on-site evaluation visit to verify compliance with regulations.
  1. Evaluation Visit:
    • The prospective institution is responsible for all financial obligations related to the on-site visit.
    • The evaluation team will prepare a report on the institution’s compliance with regulations.
  1. Final Approval:
    • If the Secretary is satisfied with the evaluation report and other information, approval to operate will be granted, subject to any conditions.
    • The certificate of approval will specify the degrees, formal awards, instructional programs, and location approved.

Post-Approval Requirements

  1. Annual Registration:
    • Institutions must register annually with MHEC and provide updated information on their operations.
  1. License Renewal:
    • Licenses are reviewed every two years. Institutions must apply for renewal and pay the associated fees.
  1. Compliance and Monitoring:
    • Institutions must comply with all state regulations and may be subject to periodic evaluations to ensure ongoing compliance.
Get State Approval Maryland

How Accreditation Expert Consulting (AEC) Can Help

Accreditation Expert Consulting (AEC) offers services to assist institutions in obtaining state approval and staying in compliance. Here’s how AEC can help:

  1. Expert Guidance on Regulatory Compliance
    • Compliance Check: Perform a thorough compliance check to ensure all application documents meet MHEC’s criteria.
  1. Application Preparation and Submission
    • Form Completion: Assist in accurately completing the necessary application forms and compiling all required documentation.
    • Document Preparation: Help prepare essential documents, including institutional plans, curriculum details, and faculty qualifications.
  1. Review and Feedback
    • Pre-submission Review: Review the application to identify and rectify any potential issues.
    • Feedback and Revisions: Provide actionable feedback and assist with necessary revisions to strengthen your application.
  1. Liaison with the Maryland Higher Education Commission
  1. Strategic Planning and Implementation
    • Strategic Planning: Develop a strategic plan to guide your institution through approval and ensure sustainable growth.
    • Implementation Support: Provide ongoing support to implement the approved programs and maintain compliance with state requirements.
  1. Training and Development
    • Faculty Training: Offer training sessions for faculty and staff on regulatory compliance and best practices in academic program development.
    • Administrative Support: Provide administrative support for the proposal submission.

Conclusion

Obtaining state approval for colleges and universities in Maryland involves a series of well-defined steps, from initial inquiry to application submission and evaluation by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. 

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