Maryland Dream Act, DACA, Asylee/Refugee Applicants
Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment – University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Overview
UMES is committed to providing access, support, and clear guidance for students eligible under the Maryland Dream Act, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and Asylee/Refugee Permanent Residents, and various other pathways.
This page provides eligibility requirements, required documentation, and instructions for submitting residency and financial aid materials. Applicants should review the checklist carefully to avoid delays in processing.
Reminder: Only applications that are completed with all required documentation will be considered.
1. Eligibility Requirements
Maryland Dream Act (USM Non-Resident Tuition Differential Exemption) Eligibility
The Maryland Dream Act provides eligible Maryland High School graduates, who are non-immigrant aliens, who meet all requirements listed on the Maryland Dream Act form, the opportunity to be exempt from paying the non-resident tuition differential at all public colleges and universities in Maryland. Eligible students will pay in-state tuition rates. Students must submit a completed Maryland Dream Act application and all required documents to the Admissions Office prior to the start of the term. To be considered for in-state tuition under the Maryland Dream Act, applicants must be admitted to UMES, submit a Maryland Dream Act form with supporting documents, and must meet the following requirements:
- Attended a public or non-public Maryland high school
- Graduated from a public or non-public Maryland high school or earned a Maryland GED
- Enrolled as an entering student at a Maryland public institution within 6 years of graduating from a public or non-public high school or GED in Maryland
- If applicable, provide the institution with a copy of an affidavit regarding the filing of an application to become a permanent resident within 30 days after the individual becomes eligible to do so.
- If applicable, provides the institution with documentation that the student has complied with the requirement to register with the Selective Service System
- If applicable, provides the institution with documentation that the individual or the individual’s parent or legal guardian has filed a Maryland income tax return annually for the 3-year period before the academic year in which the tuition rate exemption would apply.
In addition to the above requirements, students seeking tuition exemption must also meet the following additional requirements:
- An individual shall retain the individual’s tuition status at a public institution of higher education if the individual:
- Uses an address in the State on the Maryland income tax return of the individual or the individual’s parent or legal guardian annually until the individual is awarded a degree from the public institution of higher education; and
- On or after June 15, 2012, was exempt from paying the out-of-state or out-of-county tuition rate at a public institution of higher education.
After receiving admission to UMES, eligible students should submit a (Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Form) and supporting documents to be considered for the Maryland Dream Act Tuition Exemption.
DACA Students
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program protects eligible immigrant youth who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA students can temporarily qualify for in-state tuition by submitting to The Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment Office prior to the start of the term. Deferred Action status must be held for 12 consecutive months prior to the start of the term to be eligible for in-state tuition rates. If this status is not held for 12 months, students should submit their application receipt to assist with establishing 12 months.
DACA students may qualify for Maryland in-state tuition if they:
- Have current or expired DACA status (documentation required)
- Meet the USM Policy on Student Classification for Admissions and Tuition Purposes
- Provide proof of DACA status by submitting one of the following:
- Form I-797 approval notice (if applicable)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with C33 category
Asylee/Refugee Applicants
Applicants granted asylee or refugee status must provide:
- Form I-94 showing asylee or refugee classification, or
- I-797 Approval Notice, or
- Refugee/Asylee travel document
- Proof of Maryland residency (e.g., lease, utility bill, driver’s license, state tax return)
2. Required Forms & Documentation
Below are the forms and required materials by category:
Minimum Required for ALL Applicants
- Proof of Maryland residency
- Required tax documents (student or parent/guardian) when applicable
- High school transcripts or GED certificate
Additional Documents (Based on Category)
| Category | Required Additional Documentation |
|---|---|
| Maryland Dream Act | 3 years MD high school attendance, graduated from a MD high school diploma/GED, enrolled in public higher education in MD within 6 years;3 years of MD tax filings by student or parent |
| DACA | I-797 DACA Approval notice (optional), current/expired EAD card with C33 EAD category |
| Asylee/Refugee | I-94 or I-797 showing approved status, refugee/asylee travel document |
| Permanent Resident Alien (Green Card Status) | I-797 Approval Notice, expired or current Green Card |
| Pending Asylum Applicant (C08 EAD Status) | I-797 Notice of Action; EAD card with C08 EAD category; Maryland Dream Act tuition exemption form with supporting documents |
| Other Visa/Immigration Status | I-797 Notice of Action; Approval Notices form USCIS; visa; passport stamp; EAD card; any support document reflecting current visa status |
3. Submission Instructions
Please follow the steps below:
How to Submit
- Submit all documents together in a single packet to avoid delays.
- Email submissions preferred: umesadmissions@umes.edu
Physical submissions may be brought to:
Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment
1 College Backbone Road
SDC-Suite 1140
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Deadlines
- Fall Applicants: July 1
- Spring Applicants: December 1
- Summer Applicants: May 1
Late or incomplete submissions will delay residency decisions.
4. Communication & Support
We are here to help. Applicants with questions about eligibility or documentation may contact:
Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment
1 College Backbone Road
SDC-Suite 1140
Princess Anne, MD 21853
umesadmissions@umes.edu
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Important: Staff in Admissions Office have been briefed on these requirements and can help direct applicants to this page for detailed guidance.
