Maryland · Bowie
Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State is Maryland's oldest HBCU and one of the oldest historically Black colleges in the country; a public university in the University System of Maryland.
Snapshot
At a glance
Undergraduate enrollment
5,043
Admission rate
72%
Retention (first-year)
68%
Completion (150% of time)
38%
Pell recipients
44%
Black undergraduate share
81%
These figures come from federal college data updated May 26, 2026. A dash means the number was not available.
Student body
Undergraduate composition
Black
81%
Hispanic
6%
White
3%
Asian
1%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4%
Nonresident
2%
Unknown
3%
Percentages may not add to 100% when a category is not reported.
Costs
Tuition and financial aid
Tuition, in-state
$9,218
Tuition, out-of-state
$19,938
Median federal loan debt
$12,861
Federal loan recipients
44%
Pell recipients
44%
Sticker tuition only. Real cost after federal, state, and institutional aid is typically lower — see the school’s net price calculator.
Outcomes
Earnings, retention, and completion
Median earnings, 6 years
$43,877
Median earnings, 10 years
$54,537
Median debt
$12,861
Retention
68%
Completion
38%
Earnings and debt are shown only when federal data is available.
Institution
Campus and classification
Accreditor
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Campus setting
Suburb: large
Carnegie basic
Master's colleges and universities: larger programs
Undergraduate profile
Full-time four-year, more selective, higher transfer-in
Size and setting
Medium four-year, primarily residential
Average faculty salary
$11,118 monthly
Full-time faculty share
46%
DOE unit ID
162007
These labels describe the school’s size, location, and academic mix. They are not rankings.
58 programs
Academic programs
Bachelor · 26
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Biology, General
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- English Language and Literature, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- History
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Mathematics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Political Science and Government
- Psychology, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Social Sciences, Other
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Post-baccalaureate certificate · 1
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Master · 18
- Applied Mathematics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- English Language and Literature, General
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Information Science/Studies
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Public Administration
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Special Education and Teaching
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Doctoral · 2
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Graduate certificate · 11
- Applied Mathematics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Information Science/Studies
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Public Administration
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
This is a broad program list. Check the school’s own catalog for current majors, minors, concentrations, and course details.