Students at Bowie State University achieve meaningful economic mobility, with low-income graduates earning significantly more than peers at similar institutions nationwide.
The university combines broad access with reliable outcomes, creating genuine pathways for upward financial movement.
Bowie State University serves as a powerful engine for economic mobility, combining broad access with outcomes that consistently lift students into higher income brackets. Nearly 44% of students receive Pell Grants and about 36% are first-generation college students, yet graduates achieve meaningful financial progress that places the institution among the top mobility performers nationwide. The university's mobility quadrant designation as a "Mobility Engine" reflects this rare combination of accessibility and upward economic movement.
Bowie State's graduates earn a median of $54,537 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong outcomes for low-income students who earn about $48,400 at the same milestone. What makes these figures especially compelling is that they represent genuine upward mobility for students who might not otherwise have access to four-year degree opportunities. The university's earnings beyond expectations performance shows graduates doing moderately better than similar students at comparable institutions.
As a medium-sized public university in Maryland, Bowie State offers the personal attention of a smaller institution while maintaining the resources and program breadth needed to support diverse career pathways. The university's strength lies not in producing the highest absolute earnings, but in consistently moving students from lower-income backgrounds into stable middle-class careers, making it an essential pathway for economic advancement in the region.
Bowie State University's program portfolio reflects a focus on practical, career-oriented fields that lead directly into stable employment. Business Administration stands out as both the largest high-return program and the university's economic engine, graduating 161 students annually with median earnings of $46,087. This combination of scale and solid outcomes makes business the cornerstone of the university's value proposition.
Healthcare programs deliver the strongest individual earnings outcomes, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $62,012 early in their careers. This reflects the high demand for healthcare professionals and the university's success in preparing students for these well-compensated roles. The nursing program's 48 graduates represent a focused but highly effective pathway into a growing field.
Public service programs form another significant component of the university's mission. Corrections Administration graduates 92 students annually with earnings of $32,925, reflecting the university's commitment to preparing students for criminal justice careers. While earnings are more modest, these programs serve important community needs and provide stable career paths. The diversity in program outcomes—from nursing's $62,012 to audiovisual communications' $27,048—reflects the university's broad mission of serving students with varied career goals and economic backgrounds.
Bowie State University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that reflect meaningful economic progress. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $54,537, with the university showing modest earnings beyond expectations compared with similar institutions nationwide. While not among the highest-earning institutions in absolute terms, Bowie State consistently delivers on its core mission of providing accessible pathways to stable, middle-class careers.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly across fields of study. Business Administration, the university's largest high-return program with 161 graduates, produces median earnings of $46,087 and represents the strongest combination of scale and financial outcomes. Adult Health Nursing delivers the highest individual earnings at $62,012 for 48 graduates, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in the region. Corrections Administration, with 92 graduates earning $32,925, represents a substantial program focused on public service careers, while Audiovisual Communications shows more modest early-career earnings at $27,048 for 89 graduates.
The university's return profile emphasizes consistent, reliable outcomes rather than exceptional peaks. Students can expect steady career progression and earnings growth that support long-term financial stability, particularly valuable for first-generation college students and those from lower-income backgrounds who prioritize economic security over maximum earning potential.
Bowie State University maintains strong affordability across income levels, making higher education accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay about $16,935 annually, well below many public university averages, while middle-income families see net prices around $19,731. Even higher-income families pay a reasonable $23,943, creating predictable costs that help families plan effectively for a four-year degree.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is about $22,985, which aligns well with the university's median graduate earnings of $54,537. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,131, a moderate level that reflects families' ability to contribute meaningfully without taking on excessive debt burdens. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate indicates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes Bowie State particularly sustainable financially is the balance between reasonable upfront costs and reliable long-term earnings. Students can pursue their degrees without accumulating overwhelming debt, while graduates earn enough to handle standard repayment comfortably. This combination makes the university especially valuable for families seeking predictable costs and dependable financial outcomes.
Bowie State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
