Overview of Bowie State University

Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is one of the country’s oldest HBCUs. Bowie State is a public institution and part of the University System of Maryland. Undergraduates can choose from 235-degree options, and the institution also offers 35 master’s, doctoral, and advanced certificate programs. Academics are supported by ta 16 to 1 student/faculty ratio. The most popular bachelor’s degree program is in business. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations. In athletics, the Bowie State Bulldogs play in the NCAA Division II Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 6,321 (5,308 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 39% Male/61% Female
• 83% Full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $8,444 (in-state); $19,136 (out-of-state)
• Books: $2,500
• Room and Board: $11,444
• Other Expenses: $1,600
• Total Cost: $23,988 (in-state); $34,680 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 90%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 73%
  • Loans: 70%
• Mean Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $7,648
  • Loans: $6,685

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Business Administration and Management, General; Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician; Criminal Justice/Safety Studies; Psychology, General; and Biology/Biological Sciences, General

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 68%
• Transfer Out Rate: 20%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 15%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 42%

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Track and Field
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

Overview of Bowie State University Admissions

Bowie State University has an acceptance rate of 38%. This makes the school neither highly selective nor open to everyone. Students with good grades and good test scores are likely to be admitted. Applicants must complete an online application, and send test scores from either the SAT or ACT and high school transcripts. Half of the students submit SAT scores while half submit ACT scores. Glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the next steps of the application process. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices.

Admissions Data

• Bowie State University Acceptance Rate: 38%
• Test Scores — 25th/75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 430/520
  • SAT Math: 410/500
  • SAT Writing: -/-
  • ACT Overall: 15/19
  • ACT English: 12/15
  • ACT Math: 10/12
  • ACT Writing: -/-

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Bowie State University, then it should be easy for you to gain admissions to the schools below. If Bowie State University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

California State University Dominguez Hills, Johnson C. Smith University, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Lincoln University, Pine Manor College, Paul Quinn College, Wiley College

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Bowie State University, then you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

University of Bridgeport, Alabama State University, College of St. Elizabeth, Mount Ida College, Albertus Magnus College, Bloomfield College, College of St. Joseph

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will Be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Bowie State University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

University of Texas at El Paso, California State University Sacramento, California State University Northridge, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, California State University East Bay, Kean University, California State University Los Angeles

Applying to Bowie State University

Application Deadline: May 15

Undergraduate Admissions Website: https://www.bowiestate.edu/admissions-and-aid/undergraduate-admissions/

Undergraduate Application Link(s): https://www.bowiestate.edu/admissions-and-aid/apply-online.php

Graduate Admissions Website: https://www.bowiestate.edu/academics/the-graduate-school/graduate-admissions/

Graduate Application Link(s): https://www.bowiestate.edu/admissions-and-aid/apply-online.php