During the recent EBA Committee Session held on February 16, 2024, significant discussions centered around the financial landscape of education funding in Maryland, particularly focusing on affordability and institutional aid.

A key highlight was the comparison of the cost of attendance versus the net average price for students. In 2022, the net average price was reported to be 25.4% lower than the published price, providing some relief for families, especially those with incomes under $30,000, who experienced an average net price that was 61% below the published rate. However, concerns were raised regarding the decline in need-based aid, which fell by 36% to $1.6 million since 2017, despite a significant increase in institutional aid spending, which rose by 68.5% to $12.7 million.

The committee also discussed the implications of the fastest simplification process, with projections indicating that 122 students at Salisbury University may either lose or see a decrease in their awards. The university anticipates needing an additional $800,000 in 2025 to address these shortfalls, prompting questions about funding sources given the ongoing shortfall in education general revenues.

Budget changes were another focal point, with expenditures on education increasing by $6.6 million. However, the committee noted that expenditures exceeded revenues by $7.6 million in 2023 and $11.2 million in 2024, raising concerns about the sustainability of relying on auxiliary surpluses to cover these deficits. The committee pressed for clarity on how the institution plans to align expenditures with revenues moving forward.

Overall, while there have been increases in funding for education, the discussions highlighted a pressing need for strategic financial management to ensure that aid is effectively distributed and that students are not overburdened by costs. The committee's inquiries reflect a commitment to addressing these challenges as they move forward.