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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $25,220 |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,938 |
| Room and Board | $12,241 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,500 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$5,922 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $19,298 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $17,071 |
| $30–48k | $16,646 |
| $48–75k | $19,163 |
| $75–110k | $22,808 |
| $110k+ | $24,919 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Bowie State University graduates carry median debt of $22,985, ranking in the 50th percentile nationally and $1,880 below peer median levels of $21,105. Debt ranges from $5,750 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing meaningful variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 indicates manageable debt levels relative to graduate income, with annual loan payments representing reasonable percentages of post-graduation earnings. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,131 with monthly payments of $239, indicating moderate family borrowing beyond student federal loans.
Compared to peer institutions, Bowie State University graduates emerge with debt levels near national norms while earning above-peer incomes, creating favorable conditions for debt repayment. The moderate debt levels combined with solid earnings growth support long-term financial stability for graduates entering the workforce or continuing to graduate study.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Bowie State University delivers above average value through its combination of moderate costs and solid outcomes. Graduates earn $2,143 beyond expectations relative to similar student populations, ranking at the 64.4th percentile nationally for value creation.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 indicates sustainable borrowing levels, with graduates earning $54,537 compared to median debt of $22,985. Compared to peer institutions, graduates earn $4,421 more annually than the peer median while borrowing similar amounts, creating favorable return on educational investment.
The university's Mobility Engine status reflects its effectiveness in combining educational access with meaningful economic advancement for diverse student populations. Strong program performance in fields like nursing, business, and criminal justice contributes to graduate outcomes that exceed expectations given student demographics and institutional resources.
Bowie State University enrolls 43.9% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial service to lower-income families compared to national averages. The $4,967 gap between sticker price and average net price demonstrates meaningful financial aid impact across the student body.
Aid targeting appears most concentrated toward lower-income tiers, with families earning under $48,000 receiving the strongest support at net prices below $17,000. The progressive aid structure reflects the university's commitment to access for diverse economic backgrounds, consistent with its Mobility Engine classification.
Financial aid effectiveness shows in the university's ability to enroll substantial shares of first-generation and Pell-eligible students while maintaining educational quality. The aid distribution supports the institution's mission to serve as a pathway for economic mobility through accessible higher education pricing.
