Friends School of Baltimore announced a new set of partnerships with nearby and Quaker colleges and universities that offer guaranteed admission for students in good academic standing.
The University Partnership Program offers eligible students admission to The Catholic University of America, Earlham College, Goucher College, Guilford College, Loyola University Maryland, McDaniel College, Stevenson University, and Washington College. At all institutions except Guilford College, the partnership includes guaranteed merit-based scholarships.
NPR reported in November 2025 that the cost of college has risen dramatically over the last 30 years, basically doubling after adjusting for inflation. One big reason was a drop in funding from state and federal legislatures, and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic enrollment slump. These and other factors contribute to schools raising their tuition, and often as a result, students and their families taking on student debt. The NPR report noted that since 2007, American student debt has more than tripled. Programs like the University Partnership Program help mitigate these trends.
“These partnerships demonstrate the exceptional reputation of Friends School and the caliber of our students and educators,” said Josh Carlin, 12th grade dean and coordinator of the University Partnership Program at Friends School. “They also speak to a shared commitment with our partner institutions to reduce barriers and create clear, accessible pathways to college.”
Two of the partner schools, Earlham College and Guilford College, are Quaker, like Friends School. Their educational philosophy centers integrity, community, and service to the greater good.
“Friends School of Baltimore and Earlham College share deep roots and believe in the power of education to open doors and prepare students for lives of purpose,” said Jeffrey Perkins, Earlham College’s vice president for enrollment management, marketing, and communications.
The rest of the partner institutions are in Maryland and Washington, D.C., offering local options for students who want challenging academic environments not very far from home.
The partnership with Goucher College also extends to educators at Friends School. Friends’ faculty and staff get a 20% graduate tuition discount at Goucher, which is in addition to the 75% graduate tuition support Friends offers eligible employees. In December 2025, McDonogh School and McDaniel College announced a similar partnership for educators, providing full tuition coverage at McDaniel for McDonogh faculty pursuing their first graduate degree. Both programs reflect the commitment to support their educators’ and staff’s continuing education and devotion to lifelong learning.
