Appointed by Governor to 4-year terms: Norman Freidkin, 2008; Lewis A. Robinson, 2009; Susan R. Buswell, 2010; Thomas H. Price III, Esq., 2010; W. Gary Dorsch, 2011.
Ex officio: Peter V. R. Franchot, Comptroller of Maryland; Nancy K. Kopp, State Treasurer; William E. Kirwan, Ph.D., Chancellor, University System of Maryland; James E. Lyons, Sr., Ph.D., Secretary of Higher Education; Nancy S. Grasmick, Ph.D., State Superintendent of Schools.
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217 East Redwood St., Baltimore, Maryland, January 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Staff: John M. Trader
217 East Redwood St., Suite 1350, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 767-2037; 1-888-4MD-GRAD (1-888-463-4723) (toll free, Maryland); fax: (410) 333-2295
e-mail: mpct@collegesavingsmd.org
web: www.collegesavingsmd.org/
In 1997, the College Savings Plans of Maryland Board was created as the Maryland Higher Education Investment Program Board (Chapters 110, 111, Acts of 1997). It was renamed the Maryland Higher Education Investment Board in July 2000 (Chapter 494, Acts of 2000), and adopted its present name in July 2003 (Chapter 382, Acts of 2003). The Board oversees the College Savings Plans of Maryland, including the Maryland Prepaid College Trust and the Maryland College Investment Plan. Both plans function under Section 529 of the federal Internal Revenue Code, which allows states to establish and administer tax-deferred college savings plans.
Maryland Prepaid College Trust. The Maryland Prepaid College Trust was established by the Board in 1997 to hold investments. Under the Trust, Maryland and District of Columbia residents may prepay tuition for a college education. At Maryland public colleges and universities, the Trust is designed to pay the equivalent of the in-state student tuition and mandatory fees. This is accomplished through the purchase of tuition contracts by which the purchaser enters into a contract with the Board and makes payments in advance of enrollment. Benefits also may be applied to the tuition costs at any accredited private or out-of-state college.
Maryland College Investment Plan. The Maryland College Investment Plan formed in July 2000 (Chapter 494, Acts of 2000). To save for college, contributors establish an investment account on behalf of a qualified designated beneficiary. Any investment earnings in an account are exempt from State and federal tax if used for certain higher education expenses. Maryland residents and nonresidents may participate in the Plan.