Bowie State University
Bowie, Maryland 20715-9465
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •It was founded in 1865 by the Baltimore Association for the Moral and Educational Improvement of the Colored People as a teaching school.
- •The school first used space at the African Baptist Church at Calvert Street and Saratoga Street, in Baltimore, Maryland.
- •In 1867, a dedicated facility was purchased nearby at Saratoga Street and Courtland Street, and the school was formally named the Baltimore Normal School for Colored Teachers.
- •After being reorganized in 1883 as the Baltimore Normal School, it educated African Americans to be teachers for African American students until 1908.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 935
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
59.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.1%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,861
Programs (60)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
70%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
37
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MD state average + suburban adjustment