Bowie State University
About Bowie State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Bowie State University is a public historically Black university in Bowie, Maryland. It offers programs in education, business, computer science, and nursing, and is part of the University System of Maryland.
Founded
1865
Location
Bowie, Maryland
Students
6,260
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
72.4%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
38.2%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$9,218
Out-of-state: $19,938
Avg Net Price
$19,298
After financial aid
SAT Average
935
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$54,537
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
72.4 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Bowie State University accepts 72.4% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
935/ 1600
ACT Scores
19/ 36
Average: 19 out of 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
38.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
68.2%
4-Year Grad
17%
6-Year Grad
42%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
45.5%
$/Student
$10.1K
Class Size
Medium
The 17% graduation rate is below average, but 68.2% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,218
In-State
$19,938
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,241
Books & Supplies
$2,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$25,220
After Financial Aid
$19,298
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$17,071
Receive Grants
44.4%
Take Loans
44%
The full cost of attendance is about $25,220/yr for in-state students, including $12,241 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $19,298. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $19,938.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Bowie State University fund their education.
While in School
44.4%
Get Grants
Free money
44%
Take Loans
Must repay
$36,428
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,985
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$244/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $22,985 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Bowie State University.
Gender
60.2%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,043
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,217
Graduates
35.5%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
16.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 35.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
5,043
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Bowie State University fields 9 varsity teams with 438 student athletes, about 9% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Central
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
438
9% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
62% / 38%
272
Men
166
Women
5
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Bowie State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$54,537
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$51K
147 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$41K
102 grads
1yr Earnings
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
$35K
97 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$37K
87 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
$58K
68 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$26K
60 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $55K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bowie State University
What is the acceptance rate at Bowie State University?▾
How much does Bowie State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Bowie State University?▾
How much do Bowie State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.