MHEC Link Makes Searching for colleges Easier

February 2009 Press Release

For immediate release: February 2, 2009 Media Contact: Christopher Falkenhagen
Communications: (410) 260-4511

MHEC Link Makes Searching for State Colleges Easier

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 2, 2009) – A new feature on the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s website makes finding comparative information about the State’s two- and four-year public and independent colleges easy through use of an innovative link.

This link, developed by MHEC’s office of information systems, gives students and parents a unique, interactive way of searching for a range of colleges or universities best suited to them. And it’s fun, too.

Those looking for colleges or universities that they may be interested in attending can access the site then submit their zip code. From there, they can choose their college type (no preference, two-year or four-year), their degree type (Certificate, Associate, Bachelors, Masters and/or Doctorate), the male/female population, student enrollment at institution (no preference, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 25,000 and 50,000) and annual tuition costs (no preference, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, $25,000 and $50,000). Miscellaneous information such as availability of room and board is also provided.

After the student submits the search criteria, several potential colleges or universities meeting the criteria pop up and instantly provides substantial information about various Maryland institutions.

“This is a great use of new media,” Secretary of Higher Education James E. Lyons, Sr., said. “It is user friendly and a great source of almost immediate information for students searching for the best college choice.”

To access the site, students should go to MHEC’s website (www.mhec.state.md.us, click on the “College and Universities” link under “Postsecondary Education,” then look for the “Search for a College…” link).

The Maryland Higher Education Commission is a 12-member coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and independent colleges and universities and private career schools. It serves as an advocate for more than 326,000 college students in Maryland, for the State and its needs, and for business and industry in Maryland.

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