Maryland’s higher education governance operates through a dual structure with MHEC serving as the statewide coordinating body and USM managing the largest public university system. MHEC was created as an independent agency in 1988 and given responsibility for the planning, supervision and coordination of Maryland’s postsecondary education system. The commission oversees both public and private institutions, including career schools, while administering over $100 million annually in financial aid programs. The governor appoints the secretary of higher education – the agency’s executive director – from a list of three names submitted by the coordinating board, and who serves at the pleasure of the commission. The University System of Maryland, also established in 1988, operates 12 public universities serving over 172,000 students and awards 78% of bachelor’s degrees in Maryland. Maryland’s community colleges are not part of a system and are governed by local boards. This governance structure ensures comprehensive oversight while allowing for specialized management of the state’s diverse higher education landscape.
