"In the current fiscal year, Maryland has appropriated about $1.3 billion for higher education, including about $45 million in aid to independent (private, nonprofit) colleges and universities through a program known as the Sellinger Program," writes Tina Bjarekull, president of the Maryland Independent College and University Association, in The Baltimore Sun. "The vast majority (83 percent) of the Sellinger funds are used to provide financial aid to Maryland residents who are enrolled at one of 16 state-aided independent colleges and universities. The balance of Sellinger aid is used to support state-established goals for higher education, such as bringing academic programs to underserved areas of the state or meeting state workforce shortages. If Sellinger aid were not available, many Maryland students would attend in-state public universities, a more expensive taxpayer option, or leave the state altogether, taking their tuition dollars and talents with them."