I support the Baltimore Banner out of principle–it isn’t under the thumb of an individual with a political agenda or a conglomerate out to gobble up and spit out the bones of local news outlets. But it also provides lots of pertinent local news, like this one about how Maryland’s budget deficit will affect the state universities.

Fortunately, the flagship University of Maryland won’t be too badly affected because it has lots of research dollars to offset the cuts. Tuition should go up by $250 with Gov. Moore’s budget.

https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/higher-education/maryland-college-budget-cuts-5PWJ2TSRTNAKLBTE5IZFDN5L6Q/?schk=YES&rchk=YES&utm_source=The+Baltimore+Banner&utm_campaign=acb77db74e-NL_ALRT_20250116_1847&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fed75856d2-acb77db74e-613782708&mc_cid=acb77db74e&mc_eid=d88acebbc4

From the article:

“Gov. Wes Moore’s state budget proposes cutting $111 million from the University System of Maryland, according to state budget officials.

“The system of 12 institutions and three regional centers would get $2.21 billion in state funding next budget year, if Moore’s proposal is adopted. That’s down from $2.32 billion this year.

“The cuts come as Maryland faces a $3 billion deficit. Moore’s plan to close the gap includes increasing taxes on the state’s highest earners, delaying parts of the state’s education reform plan and limiting the number of families that can enroll in child care scholarships. His administration is scaling back some higher education spending, too. . . .”

“Moore’s budget predicts in-state tuition would rise by 2.2% at University System of Maryland institutions, which would help with the $111 million cut. At the University of Maryland, College Park, thatwould bump annual tuition and fees from $11,505 to $11,758, not including housing and dining fees. It’s up to the USM Board of Regents to set tuition rates, though.”

From me:

This would mean a tuition hike of $253 at our flagship institution. I found it interesting that Gov. Moore said that not everyone has to attend a four-year college and we shouldn’t be funding it as if every Marylander needs to go to a university. He promoted funding apprenticeship and job-training programs.

Service Year Option

I am currently working with a pro bono student who is enrolled in Gov. Moore’s gap-year service program, and I’ve witnessed incredible growth in this young woman as I help her apply to universities and colleges. This is a program that is really working! It’s a win-win: the gap-year student gets real-life experience working in a job, and the community she serves gets an enthusiastic young person to work with community members.

The last word

Don’t steer away from Maryland publics just because we need to balance our budget. Most of the 12 schools in the Maryland university system are still strong. UMD, in particular, need not worry about the budget cuts because they get revenue from research dollars. (Frostburg State is struggling, so do your homework on that one!)