About Morgan State University
Morgan State University is one of the nation's most respected historically black universities, serving 8,293 students in Baltimore's urban landscape. The school has built a strong reputation for its engineering programs and commitment to developing African American leaders. Notable graduates include Kweisi Mfume, former NAACP President, and Parren Mitchell, Maryland's first African American congressman. With an 85% acceptance rate, Morgan State opens doors for students seeking a supportive HBCU environment.
Students pay an average net price of $15,015 after financial aid, making this education surprisingly affordable. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median salary of $50,698 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $27,250 in debt. The numbers suggest Morgan State delivers solid value for students from working-class families seeking upward mobility.
The student body is 74% Black and 62% female, creating a distinctive campus culture where women lead academically and socially. Morgan State competes in Division I athletics as the Bears, maintaining a historic rivalry with Howard University. About 71% of freshmen return for sophomore year, indicating students generally find their fit despite the urban setting's challenges.
Students pay an average net price of $15,015 after financial aid, making this education surprisingly affordable. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median salary of $50,698 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $27,250 in debt. The numbers suggest Morgan State delivers solid value for students from working-class families seeking upward mobility.
The student body is 74% Black and 62% female, creating a distinctive campus culture where women lead academically and socially. Morgan State competes in Division I athletics as the Bears, maintaining a historic rivalry with Howard University. About 71% of freshmen return for sophomore year, indicating students generally find their fit despite the urban setting's challenges.
Academics & Faculty
Morgan State ranks among the top historically black universities for engineering, with its School of Engineering producing graduates who work at NASA, Boeing, and major tech companies. The university enrolls 8,293 students with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to professors despite being a mid-sized institution. However, the 41.6% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. Morgan State also offers strong programs in business, journalism, and the sciences. The university's research focus gives undergraduates opportunities to work on projects in cybersecurity and telecommunications. With 74.36% Black enrollment, the campus provides a supportive environment where African American students see themselves reflected in faculty and leadership positions.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 62.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 43.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.6%
- Retention Rate
- 70.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,698
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | Doctoral | $91,744 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $69,338 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,660 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,964 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,218 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $51,750 |
| Social Work. | Master | $47,673 |
Campus Life
Morgan State sits in northeast Baltimore, giving students access to a major city while maintaining its own distinct campus identity. With housing for 3,986 students and total enrollment of 8,293, about half the student body lives on campus. You'll need a winter coat for Baltimore's cold months, though summers are warm and humid.
The 143-acre campus buzzes with activity from its historically black university culture. Students gather at the Student Center and participate in Greek life, which plays a major role in campus social life. Weekend activities center around athletic events, with the Bears competing in NCAA Division I sports across 12 varsity programs. The Inner Harbor and downtown Baltimore offer internship opportunities and entertainment just minutes away. With 74% of students being Black, Morgan State maintains strong HBCU traditions including homecoming celebrations that draw alumni from across the country. The semester system allows students to settle into campus rhythms, while the 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in this tight-knit community.
The 143-acre campus buzzes with activity from its historically black university culture. Students gather at the Student Center and participate in Greek life, which plays a major role in campus social life. Weekend activities center around athletic events, with the Bears competing in NCAA Division I sports across 12 varsity programs. The Inner Harbor and downtown Baltimore offer internship opportunities and entertainment just minutes away. With 74% of students being Black, Morgan State maintains strong HBCU traditions including homecoming celebrations that draw alumni from across the country. The semester system allows students to settle into campus rhythms, while the 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in this tight-knit community.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 3,986 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1867
Campus Safety (2023)
137 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 27 | 14 | 2 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 15 | 13 | 10 | 3 |
| Rape | 9 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Stalking | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–42°F
- July Avg
- 69°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 19.3"
Student Demographics
Morgan State draws students who value both academic opportunity and cultural legacy at one of America's top HBCUs. The student body is 74% Black, reflecting the university's mission to serve the African American community while welcoming all backgrounds. Women outnumber men nearly 2-to-1, drawn particularly to the school's strong nursing, social work, and business programs. About half the students come from Maryland, showing Morgan State's deep Baltimore roots, while others travel from across the country seeking its well-known engineering programs and HBCU experience. Over half receive Pell Grants, making this education accessible to first-generation college students.
- Men
- 38.0%
- Women
- 62.0%
- White
- 0.8%
- Black
- 74.4%
- Hispanic
- 5.2%
- Asian
- 0.4%
- In-State Students
- 52.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 54.5%
Location
Morgan State sits in Baltimore, Maryland's largest city with over 600,000 residents. The campus sprawls across northeast Baltimore, about 40 miles north of Washington DC and 100 miles south of Philadelphia. Baltimore anchors the mid-Atlantic corridor between major metropolitan areas. The city blends historic neighborhoods with modern development, from the Inner Harbor waterfront to rowhouse-lined streets that define Baltimore's character. Students experience urban life with access to internships, cultural venues, and professional networks throughout the Baltimore-Washington region. The Chesapeake Bay influences the area's maritime culture and seafood traditions. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare Morgan State with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Baltimore, Maryland 21251-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,698
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,150
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 24.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $289/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Morgan State University?
Morgan State University accepts 85.38% of applicants with an average SAT score of 970. This historically black university in Baltimore provides accessible pathways to higher education while maintaining strong engineering and research programs.
How much does Morgan State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,015 annually, with 54.45% receiving financial aid. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,666 after aid, making this top HBCU affordable for low-income students.
What is Morgan State University known for academically?
The university excels in engineering programs and maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. With 61.98% women enrollment, Morgan State has become a leader in developing diverse talent in STEM fields and other disciplines.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Morgan State University?
Graduates earn a median salary of $50,698 ten years after graduation, with a 94% employment rate. The 41.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, but those who complete their degrees find solid career opportunities.
Where do students live at Morgan State University?
The Baltimore campus houses 3,986 students in residence halls, with room and board costing $12,755 annually. Located in a large city setting, students experience urban life while being part of a close-knit HBCU community of 8,293 total students.
Is Morgan State University competitive in athletics?
The Bears compete in NCAA Division I with 12 varsity sports and 251 total athletes. The athletic program distributes $6,568,518 in scholarships annually, competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference alongside other historically black universities.
