University System of Maryland Chancellor Praises Investments in College Affordability and Workforce Development

Governor’s Budget Proposal Would Cap Tuition Increases and Fund More Degrees in Growing Fields of Cyber, STEM and Healthcare

Baltimore, Md. (Jan. 18, 2019) -- University System of Maryland(USM)  Chancellor Robert L. Caret today issued the following statement in response to the release of Governor Hogan’s FY 2020 state budget proposal.

“The University System of Maryland and its 12 institutions are focused on keeping college affordable for Maryland students and families, and growing the state’s economy through groundbreaking research and workforce development.  Governor Hogan’s budget, if approved by the General Assembly, would help us do that by funding key initiatives to limit tuition growth and to fund key economic development initiatives. 

“Under the governor’s proposal, we will be able to cap tuition increases for in-state undergraduates at 2 percent next year.  This type of support in Annapolis for Maryland’s public university system has made it possible for nearly 50 percent of college students at USM institutions to graduate without debt.

“The governor’s budget proposal also includes $20 million in funding for a system-wide Workforce Development Initiative designed to produce 3,000 more graduates a year with degrees in growing fields of cybersecurity, STEM and healthcare. Growing the pool of talented Maryland workers in these fields will ensure we can meet the workforce needs of these burgeoning industries, attract more of these businesses to the state, and continue to grow jobs throughout the region.

“Educating the next generation of Maryland workers and leaders and conducting the research that makes our state a national innovation hub depends on the hard work and dedication of faculty and staff across the state.  With that in mind, the USM also strongly supports the proposed 3% percent cost of living adjustment for the state workforce.

“I want to thank Governor Hogan, the General Assembly and elected officials across Maryland for recognizing the importance of higher education in the information age and for their long-standing and steadfast financial support for our universities, students and innovators.”


 

Contact: Mike Lurie
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edu