Maryland College Cost Contribution Estimator

No, Maryland courts cannot order divorced parents to pay college expenses without a prior written agreement. Maryland has no statute authorizing post-majority educational support, and child support terminates at age 18 (or 19 if the child is still in high school). However, if parents include college contribution terms in their marital settlement agreement and it is incorporated into a court order, courts will enforce it as a binding contract under Maryland Family Law § 12-202.

Since Maryland lacks statutory authority for court-ordered college support, factors are determined by the parties' negotiated agreement rather than judicial discretion. Common contractual terms include each parent's income and earning capacity, the child's academic performance requirements, cost caps based on in-state public university tuition, 529 plan balances and ownership, and whether the child qualifies for financial aid or scholarships. Parents have complete flexibility to negotiate these terms.

Maryland law does not impose statutory caps on college contributions since courts cannot order such payments. However, most negotiated agreements cap obligations at in-state public university costs—approximately $11,505 tuition plus $14,000 room and board at University of Maryland for 2024-25. Private school costs are typically only covered if both parents explicitly agree. Age caps usually range from 22 to 24 years old or upon degree completion.

Under federal rules effective 2024-25, the parent who provides the most financial support completes the FAFSA—regardless of custody arrangements or where the student lives. If support is split equally, the higher-earning parent files. Stepparent income must be included if that parent is remarried. Child support received counts as untaxed income. These federal rules apply uniformly across all states, including Maryland, and divorce agreements cannot override them.

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals in Abdullahi v. Zanini (2019) held that 529 accounts held for a child's college education are not counted as marital property when determining monetary awards, provided the custodian intends to use funds for education. The account owner (custodian) retains legal control post-divorce. Parents should address 529 ownership, contribution obligations, and withdrawal authority in their settlement agreement to prevent future disputes.

Yes, and this is the only way to create an enforceable college payment obligation in Maryland. Because courts lack statutory authority to order college support, you must negotiate terms in your marital settlement agreement. Once incorporated into your divorce judgment, the agreement becomes a binding contract. Key provisions to include: covered expenses, contribution percentages, school-type limitations, GPA requirements, age limits, and 529 plan control. Consult a family law attorney to draft enforceable terms.

No, Maryland does not require any college contribution—public or private—because there is no statutory authority for courts to order such payments. Private school costs can only be required if both parents agree in writing. Most settlement agreements cap obligations at in-state public university rates (approximately $25,500 total cost at University of Maryland) to limit exposure, with private school expenses covered only if specifically negotiated and documented in the agreement.

Maryland child support automatically terminates at age 18, or 19 if the child is still enrolled in high school. There is no statutory provision extending support through college. Contractual college agreements typically specify an end age of 22-24 or upon obtaining an undergraduate degree, whichever occurs first. Some agreements include provisions for gap years or graduate school. The termination date depends entirely on what the parents negotiate in their settlement.