About Bowie State University
Students pay an average net price of $19,335 after financial aid. Nearly 44% receive Pell grants, reflecting the school's commitment to first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $54,537 ten years after leaving, which helps justify the $22,985 median debt load. Monthly loan payments average $244, manageable given career outcomes in education and healthcare.
The student body is 82.41% Black and 60.50% female, creating a supportive environment for underrepresented students. However, only 38.10% graduate within six years, and the 69.91% retention rate suggests academic challenges. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention. As a Division II school in the CIAA conference, Bowie State's Bulldogs compete in 13 varsity sports with 289 student-athletes sharing over $1 million in athletic scholarships.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 44.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.1%
- Retention Rate
- 69.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,537
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,473 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,012 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $59,045 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $58,673 |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. | Master | $52,107 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $52,107 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $43,696 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $37,748 |
Campus Life
Women make up 60.5% of the student body at this historically black university, creating a active social environment. Students gather at the Martin Luther King Jr. Communications Arts Center for events and performances. The Bulldogs compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports, with football games drawing crowds to Bulldogs Stadium. Weekend activities often center around the Student Center or trips into D.C. for museums and nightlife. Greek life plays a significant role in campus culture, with several historically black fraternities and sororities hosting events throughout the year. Many students also participate in community service projects, continuing the university's tradition of civic engagement that dates back to its 1865 founding.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,900 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1865
Campus Safety (2023)
44 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–43°F
- July Avg
- 66°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 15.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.5%
- Women
- 60.5%
- White
- 2.5%
- Black
- 82.4%
- Hispanic
- 5.7%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 81.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.9%
Location
- Address
- Bowie, Maryland 20715-9465
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,537
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,427
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 30.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,985
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bowie State University?
Bowie State University accepts 86.54% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score of 924 reflects the university's commitment to providing opportunities for students across various academic backgrounds.
How much does Bowie State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Bowie State University is $19,335, with 43.90% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $16,935 on average, making this HBCU particularly affordable for low-income families.
What is Bowie State University known for academically?
Bowie State University is well-known for its teacher education and nursing programs, building on its 158-year history as a historically black institution. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in programs that prepare them for high-demand careers.
How much do Bowie State University graduates earn?
Bowie State University graduates earn a median salary of $54,537 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 94.6% employment rate. However, the 38.10% six-year graduation rate indicates that many students take longer to complete their degrees at this institution.
Where is Bowie State University located and what is campus life like?
Bowie State University sits in suburban Bowie, Maryland, with housing capacity for 1,900 students out of its 5,207 total enrollment. The campus serves a predominantly Black student body (82.41%) and offers 13 varsity sports through NCAA Division II competition as the Bulldogs.
Is Bowie State University a historically black college?
Yes, Bowie State University is a historically black college and university (HBCU) founded in 1865. The student body remains 82.41% Black today, and 81.55% of students come from in-state, reflecting its strong ties to the Maryland African American community.
