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How to Verify Maryland School Accreditation

Maryland colleges and universities are accredited through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The state has the University System of Maryland (12 institutions), Morgan State University, St. Mary's College, and 16 community colleges. Its DC adjacency makes it a common target for credential fraud involving federal employment.

· 6 min read

Key takeaway

Maryland higher education is regulated by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). MSCHE accredits all public universities and most private colleges. Private degree-granting institutions must also be MHEC-approved. Maryland's DC proximity means employers — especially federal contractors — frequently encounter credential claims from applicants citing local institutions. Always verify in MSCHE's directory plus MHEC authorization.

Who accredits Maryland colleges?

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is the regional accreditor for Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC. MSCHE accreditation is required for federal financial aid eligibility and is the baseline signal of academic legitimacy for Maryland institutions.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) authorizes all academic programs at Maryland public institutions and approves private colleges operating in the state under Maryland Code, Education §11-201. Any institution awarding degrees to Maryland residents must hold either MHEC authorization or recognized accreditation.

University System of Maryland (USM)

USM operates 12 degree-granting institutions, all MSCHE-accredited:

  • University of Maryland College Park (flagship)
  • University of Maryland Baltimore (professional schools: law, medicine, pharmacy, nursing)
  • University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)
  • University of Maryland Eastern Shore (HBCU)
  • Bowie State University (HBCU)
  • Coppin State University (HBCU, Baltimore)
  • Frostburg State University
  • Salisbury University
  • Towson University
  • University of Baltimore
  • University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC — large online enrollment)
  • University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Independent public institutions

Two public institutions operate outside USM:

  • Morgan State University — Maryland's designated public HBCU, Baltimore, MSCHE-accredited
  • St. Mary's College of Maryland — designated public honors college, MSCHE-accredited

Maryland community colleges

Maryland has 16 community colleges, all MSCHE-accredited. Major institutions include:

  • Anne Arundel Community College (Annapolis)
  • Baltimore City Community College
  • Carroll Community College
  • Cecil College
  • Chesapeake College
  • College of Southern Maryland
  • Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC, 3 campuses)
  • Frederick Community College
  • Garrett College
  • Hagerstown Community College
  • Harford Community College
  • Howard Community College
  • Montgomery College (3 campuses)
  • Prince George's Community College
  • Wor-Wic Community College

How to verify step by step

Step 1: MSCHE accredited institutions list

  1. Go to msche.org/institutions/
  2. Filter by state: Maryland (or DC for DC-area institutions)
  3. Confirm accreditation status — check for any Warning, Probation, or Show Cause orders

Step 2: MHEC authorization

  1. Go to mhec.maryland.gov
  2. Navigate to "Degree-Granting Institutions" or "Private Career Schools"
  3. Confirm the institution is authorized to operate in Maryland

Especially important for private online schools and for-profit institutions.

Step 3: Federal DAPIP database

  1. Go to ope.ed.gov/dapip/
  2. Search by institution name
  3. Confirm MSCHE is listed as the accreditor

K-12 schools in Maryland

Maryland K-12 public schools are governed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and 24 local school systems (one per county and Baltimore City). Maryland public schools are among the highest-performing in the U.S. by NAEP scores. School accountability ratings are published by MSDE annually.

Private schools in Maryland must register with MSDE. Those seeking accreditation typically use Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) or Cognia (formerly AdvancED). Search Maryland public schools at reportcard.msde.maryland.gov.

Federal employment and security clearance context

Maryland borders Washington DC and houses major federal agencies, intelligence community employers, and defense contractors. Education verification for positions requiring security clearances is especially rigorous. Three specific risks in this context:

  • UMGC impersonation: University of Maryland Global Campus is a large, legitimate online school. Its name is sometimes mimicked by diploma mills targeting federal job applicants. Verify directly at MSCHE, not just by URL similarity.
  • "Washington area" institution fraud: Schools claiming DC-area affiliation without MSCHE accreditation or MHEC authorization are almost always fraudulent.
  • Unaccredited continuing education credits: For federal positions requiring specific degree levels, non-degree continuing education certificates from non-accredited providers do not satisfy educational requirements.

Professional licensing verification

Maryland professional licenses are managed by the Maryland Department of Labor and individual licensing boards:

Quick reference: which database to use

Institution type Primary database Secondary check
USM institutions MSCHE (msche.org) DAPIP (ope.ed.gov)
Morgan State / St. Mary's MSCHE (msche.org) DAPIP (ope.ed.gov)
Community colleges MSCHE (msche.org) DAPIP (ope.ed.gov)
Private colleges MSCHE + MHEC (mhec.maryland.gov) DAPIP
K-12 public schools MSDE report card –

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