Maryland Score Card

Maryland is a well-educated state overall, placing in the top 10 in the percentage of its adults with bachelor's and graduate degrees. Per-capita income is above average. While the statewide poverty rate is relatively low, there are dense concentrations of poverty in some areas, particularly Baltimore. Maryland is also diverse, with substantial and growing populations of African American and Latino citizens.

Maryland's higher education accountability system's strengths are:

• Separating data by important socioeconomic factors (race/ethnicity, gender, income, first-generation status, transfer students, etc.).
• Comparing data across time and/or against peers.
• Aligning state priorities with concrete goals for achievement.

Maryland's higher education accountability system needs work in:

• Formally linking budgetary decisions to the performance of state postsecondary institutions.
• Proactively informing prospective students, parents, and the general public about the performance of state colleges and universities.