Maryland Higher Education Commission

Founded in 1988, the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is a state agency in Maryland responsible for coordinating, planning and regulating post-secondary education in the state. The MHEC's mission is to promote access to quality higher education for Maryland residents and to ensure that the state's higher education system meets the needs of the workforce and economy.

One of the primary responsibilities of the MHEC is to coordinate the state's higher education system, including overseeing the allocation of state funds to institutions and ensuring that state resources are being used effectively. The MHEC also works with colleges and universities in the state to develop policies and programs that support student success, including initiatives to increase access to financial aid and improve retention and graduation rates.

Another key role of the MHEC is to regulate and approve new educational programs offered by institutions in the state. The MHEC is responsible for ensuring that these programs meet rigorous academic standards and align with the state's workforce needs.

In addition, the MHEC oversees the state's student financial assistance programs, including the Maryland Higher Education Loan Program (MHELP) and the Guaranteed Access Grant (GAG) program, which provide financial aid to eligible students.

To summarize the MHEC plays an important role in ensuring that Maryland's higher education system is accessible, affordable and responsive to the needs of the state's workforce and economy. The agency's coordination and regulatory functions help ensure that Maryland's colleges and universities are providing high-quality education and preparing students for success in their careers and in life.