Southern Maryland Campus Qualifies for RISE
Students and families in Southern Maryland may see new academic and career links as USMSM begins planning a RISE Zone.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Higher Education
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The University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM) was approved on Oct. 27 as a qualified institution under Maryland's RISE Zone program, making it the first regional higher-education center in the state to qualify. Qualification alone does not establish a RISE Zone, and planning for a zone application is underway.
Why it matters
The RISE Zone program is designed to encourage business investment, innovation, and job growth around eligible higher-education and research institutions, so students in Southern Maryland could see new academic and career links to local employers. The Maryland Economic Development Corporation has administered the program since July 1, 2026.
USMSM's approval as a qualified institution was granted on Oct. 27, 2025, and it is the first regional higher-education center in Maryland to receive this status. Qualification does not by itself create a RISE Zone, and no zone has yet been established.
The players
University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM)
A regional public higher-education center in Southern Maryland, located within the AeroPark Innovation District in California, MD.
Maryland Economic Development Corporation
The state entity that has administered the RISE Zone program since July 1, 2026.
The details
Under Maryland's RISE Zone program, an institution must first qualify, and only then can a zone be built around it. Eligible businesses located within approved zones may benefit from state filing-fee waivers, priority consideration for Build Our Future grants, and enhanced biotech investor tax credits. USMSM is positioned as a primary academic and technology anchor, meant to strengthen ties among employers, educational programs, and innovation-driven industries. The USMSM RISE Zone Roundtable has begun drafting the zone application and identifying potential acreage.
Timeline
July 1, 2026: The Maryland Economic Development Corporation began administering the RISE Zone program.
Oct. 27, 2025: USMSM was approved as a qualified RISE institution.
Education Landscape
USMSM's qualification ties a regional campus to a state economic-development tool, a pattern that links higher education more directly to local job creation. It arrives as Maryland's RISE Zone program moves from state oversight into the Maryland Economic Development Corporation's administration.
If you are a student or prospective student in Southern Maryland, USMSM's new status may expand academic and career connections with area employers as a RISE Zone takes shape. Ask the institution's admissions or financial-aid office how RISE-linked programs or partnerships could affect your course options.
The takeaway
A regional campus qualifying under RISE shows how higher education can anchor local economic development in Southern Maryland. If you are considering programs there, ask the school's admissions office whether RISE-related opportunities are planned for your field.
Further reading
For more background on how campuses shape regional opportunity, explore Higher Education coverage on Scholaroo.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Lexington Park Leader.
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