At $19,335/yr net price, Bowie State University graduates earn $54,537/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,537/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,335 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,340 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,537/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,537/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,985 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,935/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,967/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,731/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,194/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,943/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
38.1% of students at Bowie State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Bowie State gives you a moderate financial return with real variation depending on your major. At about $19,300 a year net price and $54,500 median earnings a decade out, you can come out ahead here, but only if you pick the right program and actually finish. The 38% graduation rate is the biggest problem. If you leave with debt and no degree, the math turns against you fast.
Nursing is the clear winner. You earn around $62,000 while carrying the lowest debt of any top program at $21,500, so your return per dollar borrowed is the best on campus. Computer and information sciences pays close behind at nearly $59,000, but you take on $27,500 in debt to get there, the highest of the listed majors. Business lands in the middle. Sociology is where the numbers stop working: you earn under $38,000 while borrowing about the same as a nursing grad, so the payoff on that debt is weak. Teacher education pays modestly too, which fits the field.
The specific risk here is completion. With a 70% retention rate, roughly three in ten of you won't return after the first year. Borrowing for a degree you don't finish is the main way you lose money at Bowie State.
The net price tiers work in your favor if your family earns under $48,000, where you pay about $16,900. Above $75,000, the price jumps past $23,000, and the return gets tighter for you at that cost.
This school fits you if you're aiming for nursing or a computing career and you're confident you'll graduate. If you're drawn to lower-paying majors like sociology, borrow as little as possible or look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowie State University worth the cost?
Bowie State University offers mixed value depending on your major. Nursing graduates earn $95,473 after 10 years, making it a strong investment, but the overall graduate median salary of $54,537 is relatively modest for a $19,335 annual cost.
What are the best paying majors at Bowie State University?
Nursing programs at Bowie State University provide the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning around $95,473 annually. Computer science and human resources management also perform well, with graduates earning $58,673 and $59,045 respectively.
How much debt do Bowie State University graduates typically have?
Bowie State University graduates leave with a median debt of $22,985, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with a 38% graduation rate, many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
What is the graduation rate at Bowie State University and why does it matter?
Bowie State University has a 38% graduation rate, meaning most students don't finish their degree. This creates significant financial risk since students who don't graduate still carry debt but miss out on the salary boost that comes with a completed degree.