Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.1%
- Retention Rate
- 69.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $54,537
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,985
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 30.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,473 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,012 | $21,500 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $59,045 | $41,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $27,500 |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $52,107 | $39,924 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $22,897 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $43,696 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $37,748 | $22,578 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $34,526 | $20,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $21,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,498 | $23,000 |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $27,048 | $22,750 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $26,715 |
Outcomes Overview
Bowie State graduates earn a median of $54,537 ten years after graduation, putting their debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 42%. Monthly loan payments of $244 consume about 5% of typical graduate income. The university's strong teacher education and nursing programs pipeline graduates into stable public sector careers with reliable benefits. An employment rate of 94.6% reflects the practical nature of Bowie's programs and strong regional employer relationships. While starting salaries average $42,961, earnings growth is steady as educators and healthcare workers advance through pay scales. The combination of moderate debt loads, high employment rates, and career-focused programs delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking stable professional careers.