Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Bowie State University vary significantly by field of study. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market.
Analyzing 13 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#125 nationally
$46K median earnings
Nursing leads earnings at $79,223, followed closely by Computer and Information Sciences at $78,762. Business Administration graduates earn $61,294, representing solid outcomes for the largest program cohort. Earnings span from $26,266 in Biology to nearly $80,000 in health and technology fields, reflecting significant variation by career pathway and market demand.
Several programs achieve top national and state rankings across different fields. Audiovisual Communications Technologies ranks #1 nationally, while Corrections Administration ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Maryland. Applied/Public Sociology and Commercial Photography both rank #1 in Maryland within their respective fields. These rankings reflect strong graduate outcomes relative to similar programs nationwide.
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Bowie State University.
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. leads engineering & technology with 79K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | — | $78,762 | — | 47 |
Program outcomes reflect labor market demand, regional employment opportunities, and career pathway requirements rather than educational quality alone. Rankings are based on median earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, which tracks graduates 10 years after enrollment. Programs require minimum cohort sizes for data reporting, meaning specialized or newer programs may not appear. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion rates to assess overall return on investment. Students should consider their career goals, geographic preferences, and tolerance for debt when evaluating programs, as some fields require graduate study for optimal outcomes while others provide immediate workforce entry opportunities.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Corrections Administration and Audiovisual Communications Technologies achieve perfect or near-perfect value scores, combining strong earnings with manageable debt levels. Applied/Public Sociology and Forensic Social Work also demonstrate excellent value metrics through favorable debt-to-earnings ratios. These programs offer optimal return on educational investment.
Health professions and computer sciences achieve Excellent affordability ratings with payments under 8% of discretionary income. Business and criminal justice programs rate Good with payments between 8-12% of discretionary income. Psychology and communications programs show Manageable affordability with payments between 12-18% of discretionary income. Biology shows concerning affordability metrics requiring careful financial planning.
Business Administration represents the university's largest program with 161 graduates earning $61,294, ranking #112 nationally and #3 in Maryland with solid value scores of 67.3. The substantial cohort size indicates strong student demand and established employer networks.
These programs stand out for students seeking broad business preparation with reliable career outcomes and manageable debt burdens.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #107 | $61,294 | $22,528 | 161 |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing delivers the strongest earnings at $79,223 for 48 graduates, though with moderate value scores reflecting higher debt loads typical of nursing programs. This program ranks #133 nationally and #2 in Maryland.
Health programs at Bowie State University are well-suited for students prioritizing direct patient care careers with strong earning potential and job security in growing healthcare markets.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #125 | $79,223 | — | 48 |
Biology faces challenges with graduates earning $26,266, ranking lower nationally and showing concerning debt-to-earnings ratios. Students in biological sciences should carefully consider graduate school plans, as many career paths require advanced degrees.
Computer and Information Sciences delivers much stronger outcomes at $78,762 for technical career paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #373 | $26,266 | — | 44 |
Applied/Public Sociology and Forensic Social Work both demonstrate strong performance, with Applied/Public Sociology ranking #1 in Maryland and Forensic Social Work ranking #13 nationally. Psychology serves larger cohorts with 87 graduates earning $47,990.
These programs excel for students pursuing human services careers with solid earnings potential and diverse career applications.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #45 | $53,090★ | — | 53 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #11 | $51,598 | — | 41 |
| Psychology, General. | #107 | $47,990 | $26,395 | 87 |
Audiovisual Communications Technologies achieves exceptional performance with perfect value scores of 100.0, ranking #1 nationally and producing 89 graduates earning $46,486. Commercial Photography also ranks #1 in Maryland with strong value metrics.
These programs are ideal for students combining creative interests with technical skills in growing digital media markets.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Other. | #1 🏆 | $46,486 | $17,594 | 89 |
Adult Development and Aging represents specialized programs serving 53 graduates earning $42,778, ranking #42 nationally and #3 in Maryland. Exercise Science shows lower earnings at $36,381 but maintains steady enrollment.
These programs suit students prioritizing specialized knowledge and community service over maximum earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | #54 | $45,119 | — | 21 |
Adult and Continuing Education produces graduates earning $43,696 with moderate value scores reflecting typical education field outcomes. These programs serve students committed to educational careers despite moderate earning potential, offering fulfilling work in community development and adult learning environments with opportunities for career advancement.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #125 | $43,696 | — | 30 |
Corrections Administration achieves exceptional performance, ranking #2 nationally and #1 in Maryland with 92 graduates earning $57,571 and outstanding value scores of 99.5. The low median debt of $13,277 creates favorable debt-to-earnings ratios.
This program is best suited for students prioritizing public service careers with strong return on investment and established career pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #2 | $57,571 | $13,277 | 92 |
Adult Development and Aging. leads other & interdisciplinary with 43K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Development and Aging. | #44 | $42,778★ | — | 53 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #189 | $36,381 | — | 30 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
