About Frostburg State University
Frostburg State University has built its reputation as a teacher-training powerhouse in Maryland's Appalachian foothills. The university enrolls 2,849 students in a genuine small-town setting where everyone knows your name. Education majors have long flocked here for hands-on classroom experience and strong alumni networks throughout the region. The campus maintains that close-knit feel where professors actually remember your research interests.
Students pay an average net price of $15,323 after financial aid, making this one of Maryland's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $55,493 ten years after leaving, while typical debt loads hit $21,105. The math works out reasonably well for education majors and other public service careers. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,930 net price, thanks to generous need-based aid covering most costs.
The Bobcats field 25 Division II sports teams that 795 students participate in, creating an unusually athletic campus culture for a small school. Nearly 87% of students come from Maryland, fostering strong in-state connections. The 52% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face, though those who persist find strong career support in the region.
Students pay an average net price of $15,323 after financial aid, making this one of Maryland's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $55,493 ten years after leaving, while typical debt loads hit $21,105. The math works out reasonably well for education majors and other public service careers. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,930 net price, thanks to generous need-based aid covering most costs.
The Bobcats field 25 Division II sports teams that 795 students participate in, creating an unusually athletic campus culture for a small school. Nearly 87% of students come from Maryland, fostering strong in-state connections. The 52% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face, though those who persist find strong career support in the region.
Academics & Faculty
Frostburg State operates as a regional public university with a strong reputation in teacher education and preparing students for careers in western Maryland's schools and communities. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class environments where professors know students personally. About half of students graduate within four years, with 52% completing degrees within six years, reflecting the university's focus on working-class students who often balance jobs with coursework. The education department produces many of the region's elementary and secondary teachers. Business and nursing programs also draw students seeking practical career preparation. With 87% of students coming from Maryland, Frostburg serves as an accessible pathway to bachelor's degrees for local families.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 68.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 50.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.1%
- Retention Rate
- 66.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,493
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $78,719 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,219 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Education, General. | Master | $43,426 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $41,789 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $39,153 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,363 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,398 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,637 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
Campus Life
Frostburg sits in Maryland's Appalachian mountains, about two hours from Baltimore and Washington DC. The campus feels secluded in this town of 9,000 residents, where winters bring real snow and temperatures that drop into the 20s. Only about 34% of the 2,849 students live in the dorms, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere during weekdays.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in the popular education programs. With 86.94% of students from Maryland, many go home on weekends, though the 25 varsity sports teams keep some campus activity alive. The Bobcats compete in Division II, and their 795 athletes represent nearly 28% of the student body. Students often drive to nearby Deep Creek Lake for outdoor activities or head to Cumberland for more dining options. The Mountain East Conference brings visiting teams and some school spirit, but this isn't a party school. Most social life happens in small groups, and many students work part-time jobs in town.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in the popular education programs. With 86.94% of students from Maryland, many go home on weekends, though the 25 varsity sports teams keep some campus activity alive. The Bobcats compete in Division II, and their 795 athletes represent nearly 28% of the student body. Students often drive to nearby Deep Creek Lake for outdoor activities or head to Cumberland for more dining options. The Mountain East Conference brings visiting teams and some school spirit, but this isn't a party school. Most social life happens in small groups, and many students work part-time jobs in town.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 970 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1898
Campus Safety (2023)
24 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–33°F
- July Avg
- 59°–78°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- -695.5"
Student Demographics
Frostburg draws primarily local students, with 87% coming from Maryland. The school serves a diverse population where nearly a quarter of students are Black and one-third receive Pell Grants. This mix reflects Frostburg's mission as an accessible regional university in western Maryland's mountains. The slight female majority connects to the school's strong education programs, which traditionally attract more women. Students here tend to be first-generation college goers from working-class backgrounds who want quality education close to home without the price tag of flagship universities.
- Men
- 46.6%
- Women
- 53.4%
- White
- 59.5%
- Black
- 24.1%
- Hispanic
- 7.0%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 86.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.9%
Location
Frostburg sits in the mountains of western Maryland, about 150 miles from Washington D.C. and Baltimore. This small college town of roughly 9,000 people becomes more active when Frostburg State's 2,849 students arrive each fall. The Appalachian setting offers hiking trails, state parks, and four distinct seasons that transform the campus landscape. With 86.94% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with Maryland but may be experiencing mountain living for the first time. The remote town setting means limited off-campus entertainment, creating a tight-knit campus community where student life revolves around university activities and outdoor recreation. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare Frostburg State with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Frostburg, Maryland 21532-1099
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,493
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,552
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $224/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,105
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Frostburg State University?
Frostburg State University accepts 87.88% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. This regional public university focuses on serving western Maryland and draws 86.94% of its students from in-state.
How much does Frostburg State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Frostburg State University is $15,323 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,930 on average, while the total cost of attendance reaches $24,000 for those living on campus.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Frostburg State University?
Frostburg State University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,849 total students. The university is known for its education programs and provides the small-town college atmosphere that comes with its remote mountain location.
What are the graduation outcomes at Frostburg State University?
Frostburg State University graduates 52.10% of students within six years, with graduates earning a median salary of $55,493 ten years after graduation. The typical graduate leaves with $21,105 in debt and makes monthly loan payments of $224.
Where is Frostburg State University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in the remote town of Frostburg, Maryland, housing 970 students on campus out of its 2,849 total enrollment. As NCAA Division II Bobcats, the school fields 25 varsity sports with 795 total athletes competing in the Mountain East Conference.
Does Frostburg State University have strong employment outcomes for graduates?
Frostburg State University boasts a 95.2% employment rate for its graduates. Founded in 1898, this regional university has built a reputation for preparing teachers and other professionals for careers throughout Maryland and beyond.
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