Public Institution

Bowie State University — Bowie, Maryland

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Annual Tuition $8,999

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 83.5%

Open Admission

Enrollment 5,207

Active Students

Avg. Salary $54,537

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Bowie, Maryland
Institution type Public
Accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Bowie State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Bowie, providing a robust academic foundation for 5,207 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Bowie State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Bowie State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing
17.2%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement
11.9%

Enrollment Share

Communications Tech
11.4%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
11%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
10.2%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts
7.3%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Communications Tech College

The Communications Tech program at Bowie State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Bowie State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Bowie State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 83.5%
Difficulty Low

Bowie State University maintains an acceptance rate of 83.5%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 39.5%
Women Enrollment 60.5%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 423 - 540
SAT Mathematics 373 - 543
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Bowie State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $8,999
Out-of-State Tuition $19,889

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 43.9%
Median Student Debt $22,985

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $8,999, graduates see a median starting salary of $54,537, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Maryland.

What salary can Bowie State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $54,537

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 38.1%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $19,335
Median Salary (6yr) $43,877
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Bowie State University in Bowie?

5,207 Students

Gender Comparison

39.5% Men
60.5% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

69.9%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.3%
Pacific Islander
0.2%
Asian
1.2%
Black
82.4%
White
2.5%
Unknown
2.4%
Hispanic
5.7%
Two or More Races
3.8%
International
1.5%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 35.5%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 68%
💍
Married Students 4.3%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 38.9%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $77,046
Average Family Income $51,709
Median Family Income $36,428

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

45.2%
54.8%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Bowie Campus Environment

Located at 14000 Jericho Park Rd, Bowie State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Maryland. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Bowie State University

Is Bowie State University a good college in Bowie, Maryland?
Bowie State University is a recognized institution in Bowie with an enrollment of 5,207 students. It is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers a robust ROI for students in Maryland based on Department of Education data.
Is Bowie State University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Bowie State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $54,537. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Bowie State University cost for Maryland residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Bowie State University is approximately $8,999. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $19,889. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Bowie State University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Bowie State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 68% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Bowie State University good for Business & Marketing and Security & Law Enforcement programs?
Bowie State University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Security & Law Enforcement programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Bowie State University?
Graduates of Bowie State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $54,537, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Bowie State University?
Bowie State University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Bowie State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Bowie State University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Bowie State University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Bowie State University earn a median salary of $54,537 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Bowie State University a good investment compared to other MD colleges?
Bowie State University stands out as a high-value investment in Maryland. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Bowie State University located and what is the campus like?
Bowie State University is located at 14000 Jericho Park Rd in Bowie, MD. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 5,207 learners.
Who typically attends Bowie State University in Bowie, MD?
The student body at Bowie State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 35.5% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Maryland

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Bowie State University with other leading institutions in Maryland across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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