About

About Bowie State University

hbcupublic universitymasters programsaccessible admissionsarts and business focus

Bowie State University is a public university in Bowie, MD, known for its hbcu, public university, and masters programs. With an acceptance rate of 87%, BSU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 1,188 students each year. BSU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 895–1208, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. BSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $8,458 per year; the sticker price of $35,860 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Bowie State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

87%
Overall Accept Rate
3.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1052
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 895 – 1208 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Bowie State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Bowie State is Maryland's oldest HBCU, so connect your personal story to why you want to be part of a historically Black university community specifically, not just any school in the region. Admissions readers notice when applicants demonstrate a genuine understanding of the institution's mission.
Test Score Strategy
Since Bowie State is test optional and your score is below the 75th percentile for admitted students, skip submitting it and let your GPA, activities, and any essays carry your application instead.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Bowie State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$36k/yr$17.1k
30k-48k~$36k/yr$16.6k
48k-75k~$36k/yr$19.2k
75k-110k~$36k/yr$22.8k
110k+~$36k/yr$24.9k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

38%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$44k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
4,755
Undergrad Enrollment
Bowie State University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch