Maryland Maryland Higher Education Commission

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Registration Information for Out-of-State Institutions of Higher Education Offering Online Education

Pursuant to the law that took effect on July 1, 2012, out-of-state institutions that enroll Maryland students in fully online programs must register with the Commission (COMAR 13B.05.01).

Outlined below you will find information regarding the "Out- of -State Online Registration" procedure.

Registration is valid during one fiscal year, July 1 - June 30. A registration issued at any time during a fiscal year expires on June 30 of that fiscal year. (COMAR 13B.05.01.09)   

The application process: ​

An updated application for the 2026 - 2027 fiscal year will be posted in January 2026.

For the 2025 - 2026 fiscal year,

  1. Initial and renewal applications can apply using the following:
  2. ​Utilize the Out-of-State Online Registration Document List while completing the application to ensure full compliance. ​

​​Application supporting documents, and copies of all mailed materials must be submitted via the Online Registration Portal​. The registration fee, original signed notarized affidavit from the CEO/President, and financial guarantee (if applicable)​ should be submitted via certified mail to the below address.

Out-of-State Online Registration
Maryland Higher​ Education Commission
​217 East Redwood St., Suite 2100
Baltimore,  MD  21201​

​If there are more than ten simultaneous students enrolled in the same program and in the same location in Maryland, the institution should apply for the Out-of-State Degree-Granting Institution​ as this would trigger physical presence. 


The Out-of-State Online Registration Mailbox is [email protected] should there be any questions. 

View the list of institutions determined to be in compliance with the requirements of the Education Article, §11-202.2 of the Annotated Code of Maryland and COMAR 13B.05.01​​ for fully online programs.

The Importance of Accreditation​​

Glossary (pdf)

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