The status of higher education in Maryland in 1975 and 1985 is compared, with attention to enrollments, student qualifications, programs, faculty, funding, quality, accountability, and the role of higher education in society. Data on opening fall 1984 enrollments and changes from 1983 are provided for Maryland community colleges, state colleges and universities, and private colleges. Enrollments during the past 10 years in Maryland have grown by only 13 percent, and women account for all of the enrollment growth. The number of part-time undergraduates surpassed the number of full-timers in 1982. Average scholastic aptitude scores for Maryland high school seniors have increased for the past 3 years. Major changes have occurred in student interests, including a shift away from the liberal arts and sciences and toward programs with strong career orientations. While the number of full-time faculty at public colleges remained stable between 1975 and 1983, the number of part-time faculty increased by 39 percent. Currently 50 percent of all faculty are part-time. Despite less campus purchasing power, modest enrollment growth has given campuses the opportunity to focus on improving quality rather than dealing with expansion. (SW)