Bowie State University serves as a Mobility Engine institution, combining high access with meaningful economic advancement. The university enrolls substantial shares of Pell-eligible and first-generation students while generating earnings beyond expectations, supporting long-term financial stability for graduates from diverse economic backgrounds.
With well above average performance, reflecting the university's commitment to enrolling diverse student populations including 43.9% Pell-eligible and 35.5% first-generation students
With well above average outcomes, demonstrating effectiveness in translating access into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisMobility Engine with strong access outcomes
Bowie State University combines accessible admission with strong return on educational investment. Graduates earn a median of $54,537 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 55th percentile nationally.
The institution generates $2,143 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 64.4th percentile for value creation. Earnings span from $32,913 at the 25th percentile to $78,678 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career pathways across programs.
Students from diverse economic backgrounds seeking practical career preparation with strong outcomes in business, criminal justice, nursing, and technology fields. Well-suited for first-generation students and those prioritizing economic mobility through accessible education at a public HBCU.
Bowie State University admits 83.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive offers of admission. This places the university in the Open Access category, indicating relatively accessible admission standards for prospective students.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Bowie State University's selectivity aligns closely with similar institutions, differing by just 1.0 percentage point. This level of accessibility means that academically prepared students have strong chances of admission, though meeting academic preparation standards remains important for success.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Bowie State University's published cost of attendance is $24,302 per year, consisting of $19,889 out-of-state tuition ($8,999 for Maryland residents), $13,272 for room and board, and $2,500 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $19,335 after financial aid, representing savings of $4,967 from the sticker price.
This net price ranks around the national average compared to similar institutions, though it sits $5,242 higher than the peer median of $14,093. The substantial difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition reflects typical public university pricing structures, with Maryland residents receiving significant cost advantages.
Financial aid reduces costs meaningfully across all income levels, with the most substantial support directed toward lower-income families. As a public institution serving diverse student populations, Bowie State University provides relatively affordable access to higher education, particularly for Maryland residents.
The net price positioning indicates moderate costs relative to similar institutions nationally, while remaining accessible for students from various economic backgrounds seeking quality educational opportunities.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
48 graduates
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other.
47 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
161 graduates
Corrections Administration.
92 graduates
Applied/Public Sociology.
53 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eastern Illinois University Similar quality tier (#483 ranked) | IL | 68% | $51,989 | #483 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Bowie State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/bowie-state-university/analysis.
Bowie State University ranks #488 nationally in Azimuth's analysis, achieving above average performance at the 70.1st percentile. Located in Bowie, Maryland, this medium-sized public historically black university maintains open access with an 83.5% admission rate while delivering strong outcomes for diverse student populations.
The university enrolls 43.9% Pell-eligible students and 35.5% first-generation students, demonstrating substantial commitment to serving lower-income families. Bowie State University's classification as a Mobility Engine reflects its ability to combine educational access with meaningful economic advancement.
Graduates earn $2,143 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 64.4th percentile nationally for earnings uplift. With median earnings of $54,537 ten years after enrollment, the institution positions students for sustained career growth while maintaining manageable debt levels below peer institutions.
Open access institutions typically evaluate applicants holistically, considering factors beyond test scores and grades. Students should view Bowie State University as an accessible option while ensuring their academic preparation matches the institution's expectations for student success.
For prospective students, this admission rate indicates that building a strong academic foundation and demonstrating genuine interest in the university's programs will be more important than competing against extremely selective standards. The university's commitment to access creates opportunities for students from diverse academic backgrounds to pursue higher education and career advancement.
Bowie State University graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over time. Median earnings increase from $43,877 six years after enrollment to $50,034 at eight years and $54,537 at ten years, representing 24.3% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on cohorts ranging from 1,467 to 1,595 graduates across different time periods, providing confidence in the reported figures. The institution generates $2,143 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking at the 64.4th percentile for value creation.
Low-income graduates earn $48,400, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the 75th percentile reaching $78,678 compared to $32,913 at the 25th percentile.
Approximately 26.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both advanced education and immediate workforce entry across the university's program offerings.
Bowie State University offers 13 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data available for analysis. Corrections Administration ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Maryland, graduating 92 students with median earnings of $57,571 and exceptional value scores of 99.5.
Audiovisual Communications Technologies ranks #1 nationally and #1 in Maryland, producing 89 graduates earning $46,486 with perfect value scores of 100.0. Business Administration and Management represents the largest program with 161 graduates earning $61,294, ranking #112 nationally and #3 in Maryland.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing delivers the highest earnings at $79,223 for 48 graduates, ranking #133 nationally and #2 in Maryland. Forensic Social Work ranks #13 nationally and #3 in Maryland with 41 graduates earning $51,598.
Several programs achieve flagship status at the institution, reflecting Bowie State University's program concentration in high-demand career fields with strong employment prospects.
Troy University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#486 ranked) | AL | 93% | $42,062 | #486 | Compare |
Northwestern State University Of Louisiana Similar quality tier (#475 ranked) | LA | 94% | $47,021 | #475 | Compare |
West Texas A & M University Similar quality tier (#489 ranked) | TX | 97% | $50,741 | #489 | Compare |
Northern Kentucky University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#490 ranked) | KY | 96% | $50,220 | #490 | Compare |
