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PublicSuburbanHBCU

Bowie State University

Bowie, Maryland 20715-9465

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Campus Vibe

SuburbanGreek lifeHBCU

Known for business

Bowie State University is a public institution in Bowie with particular strength in business and computer science. With an average SAT of 935, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 5.2K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.

38% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $54,537 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $19,335.

Established
1865
Mascot
Butch the Bulldog
Type
Public HBCU
Conference
Northern Division of the Central
84%Acceptance
935SAT Avg
5,207Students
16:1Student:Faculty
38%Grad Rate
$54,537Earnings 10yr
$19,335Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Bowie State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate83.5%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 935

Reading & WritingMid: 475
423540
MathMid: 455
373543

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

83.5%

Trend

SAT Avg

935

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$8,999
Tuition (out-of-state)$19,889
Room & Board$13,272
Books & Supplies$2,500
Total Cost of Attendance$24,302
Average Net Price$19,335
Median Debt at Graduation$22,985
Monthly Payment (10yr)$244

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$16,935
$30–48K$16,967
$48–75K$19,731
$75–110K$23,194
$110K+$23,943

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$19,335

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

5900.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$12,861

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

37

Peer Average

37

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Programs (60)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
5,207
Gender Split
61% / 40%
Women / Men
First Generation
36%
Pell Grant Recipients
44%

Race & Ethnicity

White 3%
Black 82%
Hispanic 6%
Asian 1%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate38.1%
Freshman Retention69.9%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$43,877
8 Years$50,034
10 Years$54,537

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$46,400
Men
$52,700

Rankings

U.S. News
#45
Forbes
#52

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

116High

Estimated from MD state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Washingtonpop. 690K
17 mi(29 min)
Baltimorepop. 570K
20 mi(35 min)
Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
107 mi(185 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Bowie State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications