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College

Bowie State University

  • C+
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • Bowie, MD
  • 1,101 reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    B-
  2. Value
    B-
  3. Diversity
    B+
  4. Campus
    C
  5. Athletics
    B
  6. Party Scene
    B
  7. Professors
    B-
  8. Location
    C-
  9. Dorms
    C-
  10. Campus Food
    C+
  11. Student Life
    C+
  12. Safety
    B
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Bowie State is a public university located in Maryland. As a historically black college, BSU has a strong history of and commitment to the education of black Americans. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 4,389 undergraduate students. Admissions is fairly competitive as the Bowie State acceptance rate is 36%. Popular majors include Business, Radio and Television Broadcasting Technician, and Psychology. Graduating 40% of students, Bowie State alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $30,500.
About Bowie State University...
Athletic Division
NCAA Division II (with football)
Athletic Conference
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Address
14000 Jericho Park Rd
Bowie, MD 20715
Website
bowiestate.edu
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Bowie State University Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate
36%
Application Deadline
Rolling Admissions
SAT Range
860-1040
ACT Range
16-20
Application Fee
$40
SAT/ACT
Considered but not required
High School GPA
Required
Early Decision/Early Action
No

Test Prep

SAT and ACT Prep Options
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Cost

Net Price
$13,137/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $10,757/ year
  • $30-48k
    $13,008/ year
  • $49-75k
    $17,373/ year
  • $76-110k
    $19,392/ year
  • $110k+
    $20,059/ year
Student Loan Options from Lenders
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Academics

Professors
B-
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
16:1
Evening Degree Programs
No
68%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.80 responses
59%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.92 responses
60%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.92 responses
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Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Business
    106 Graduates
  • Radio and Television Broadcasting Technician
    101 Graduates
  • Psychology
    73 Graduates
  • Criminal Justice and Safety Studies
    59 Graduates
  • Social Sciences
    52 Graduates
  • Nursing
    50 Graduates
  • Social Work and Youth Services
    49 Graduates
  • Biology
    47 Graduates
  • Child Development
    46 Graduates
  • Computer Systems Technician
    24 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
4,389Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
13%
Pell Grant
55%
Varsity Athletes
6%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 54 responses
Report
  • Friendly
    41%
  • Unique
    19%
  • On the go
    9%
  • Curious
    7%
  • Ready to go
    6%
  • Always sticking together
    4%
  • Unspirited
    4%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
—
Poll
39%
of students say that Greek life is pretty big.99 responses
Poll
55%
of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.114 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 64 responses
Report
  • Interesting
    31%
  • Dedicated staff for student success
    16%
  • Complicated at times
    14%
  • Balanced between fun and and academics
    11%
  • Family
    9%
  • Fun
    6%
  • LIT
    6%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$46,400/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
40%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
93%
National
83%
86%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.63 responses
Colleges like Bowie State University
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Bowie State University Reviews

1,101 reviews
All Categories
The administration at this university is absolutely terrible. It seems as though they are under staffed, because no one answers your calls, or responds to your messages with any sense of urgency. The administrative faculty at BSU is also very rude, and inconsiderate of the students. I am a current graduate student here and I have been trying to contact the office of financial aid for TWO WEEKS! They give out misinformation and hold your financial disbursement for no apparent reason, and for some students like myself this is a major inconvenience. At most reputable institutions, your refund is disbursed before classes even begin. The attitude of the staff is very unpleasant after finally speaking with someone from the office, I was rushed off the phone, and my questions were answered with uncertainty. They did not the office of financial aid gave me an uncertain answer, leaving me in the exact same position confused and stressed.
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The only thing I enjoyed about Bowie State University is the Entrepreneurship program because it helps you a lot with opening your business. The school itself is not that great, customer service is horrible and they are completely out dated when you want to sign in Financial aid office, the employee are talking to each other instead of assisting students. In addition, the staff will send you office to office instead of explaining to you the process of your certain needs. If you are receiving a transfer scholarship, you need look for the transfer representative constantly in order to receive your scholarship.
I received a world-class education at Bowie State, which enabled me to pursue graduate studies at Edinburgh University in Scotland and at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Bowie State is a precious jewel among academic institutions. Go Bulldogs!