Founded in 1865, Bowie State University. is a Public college. Located in Maryland, which is a city setting in Maryland, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 4,711 full time undergraduate students, and 958 full time graduate students.
The Bowie State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 16:1. There are 222 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Bowie State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
41%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
40
SAT Range
780-940
ACT Range
15-19
Admissions at BSU are considered More Selective, with ,66% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 14 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Bowie State University.
5%
“We”re apathetic”
22%
“We know about current events and vote”
62%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
12%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
29%
“Sometimes, but not often”
42%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
22%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
6%
“I only go out in groups”
38%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
55%
“I feel extremely safe”
1%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
14%
“We bought the gear”
85%
“We live for the big game”
12%
“It”s not really our thing”
12%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
50%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
27%
“We”re a very artistic group”
6%
“Haven”t met them”
8%
“Available in class”
62%
“They keep regular office hours”
24%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
14%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
74%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
10%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
18%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
49%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
19%
“We only party on weekends”
14%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
31%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
45%
“There might be people who do”
18%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
6%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
5%
“We”re apathetic”
22%
“We know about current events and vote”
62%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
12%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
29%
“Sometimes, but not often”
42%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
22%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
6%
“I only go out in groups”
38%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
55%
“I feel extremely safe”
1%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
14%
“We bought the gear”
85%
“We live for the big game”
12%
“It”s not really our thing”
12%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
50%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
27%
“We”re a very artistic group”
6%
“Haven”t met them”
8%
“Available in class”
62%
“They keep regular office hours”
24%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
14%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
74%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
10%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
163 Students rated on-campus housing 3 stars. 10 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
123 Students rated off-campus housing 2.9 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
177 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
184 Students rated campus facilities 3.7 stars. 23 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
184 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
184 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
184 Students rated local services 3.8 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
186 Students rated academics 4 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.
Bowie State University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Bowie State University?
98 Students rated Bowie State University
Dominic
Prospective04/02/2025
After making a visit to Bowie, I knew it was the campus for me. The staff and students were warm and welcoming, and it was truly an all-around vibe! The feel of the campus was what I was looking for and the available resources are what I feel with help keep me on track and focused on my goals. I hope to get back into track and working out during my time on campus and I hope to build a student bond with my fellow classmates. Looking forward to the Fall. The only complaint I have because my family likes to plan things out is I wish the offices were timelier with information.
Aaliyah
Bowie State is one of the oldest HBCUs; The professors are great, and campus life is amazing. There are several fun activities to participate in on campus. The students are nurturing toward one another, the campus is safe, fun, and exciting. It is a great school to attend.
India
Bowie State is a very great historical black college that I've seen care about their students. There are so many different events, activities, classes, get togethers every day on campus so there is never a dull moment. Everyone is like family because its always someone that knows someone. We all are their for our own purpose but we all share that Bowie State connection with each other.
Jocelyn
Bowie State University (BSU) is more than just a campus; it's a community where students discover themselves amidst like-minded peers. Nestled in a cozy setting, BSU offers an environment where every individual is seen and heard, creating a sense of familiarity and camaraderie.
At BSU, enjoyment is woven into the fabric of daily life. Whether through social events, campus activities, or simply gathering on a sunny day, there's always an opportunity to connect and have fun. The small size of the school ensures that you're not just a face in the crowd; here, everyone knows each other's stories, which fosters a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
Friendliness and helpfulness characterize BSU's community spirit. From classmates to faculty members, there's a genuine eagerness to assist with any need that arises. The accessibility of support is a hallmark of BSU's culture, where peers rally around each other and faculty members are readily available to mentor and guide.
While the campus comes alive in warm weather, the sense of community thrives year-round. Whether you're seeking academic advice, career guidance, or simply a friendly conversation, BSU's faculty and staff are there to lend a helping hand. The dedication to student success is evident across departments, although navigating financial aid may present challenges.
In essence, BSU offers more than just an education; it provides a nurturing environment where personal growth is supported by a tight-knit community. From the Fraternities and Sororities, to the band and theatre clubs, here, you'll find not only academic enrichment but also lasting friendships and a sense of belonging that defines the BSU experience.
Joe
I think Bowie State, needs to reduce the pressure of tuition on international students struggling without jobs, at least give us the benefit of the doubt and credit us the tuition if anything. Because they would prefer to kick you out of school and out of school means paying your tuition before attending or even selecting classes .
In summary let them allow student to build credit with the institution.
Sydney
My opinion about visiting Bowie State University was very proactive because we've explored the whole campus, and their tour guide showed us why Bowie State University is a great school for transfer students who want to pursue their dreams and goals on how to be successful.
Kalia
I think it’s a great safe environment. I heard so many good things about this campus it also an Hbcu so it has a lot of black people there which makes everything there positive and safe based off our looks and colors everyone can be friends
Harry
My overall opinion about my school/college which is a Bowie State University is that if you’re looking for a HBCU and you live around that area then that is a good school for you to attend. The in state tuition is on one of the cheapest in the whole entire state of Maryland which also gives it a plus when you’re applying for college which it was one of the many reasons I attended this university. But for me in my own personal opinion the professors in my major which is a stem related major or very nonchalant and unempathetic to students or their life problems
chamir
Bowie State University is an amazing institution and I highly recommend seniors who are currently in high school to attend and be part of excellence. Bowie State offers many opportunities for students to choose their own pathways to a variety of career choices.
Ashley
Pretty good school, decent sized campus with plenty of opportunities academically and socially. The location is nice because it's centered within the DC metro area in Bowie, Md. The MARC train is literally a three to five minute walk from the campus. I am having an overall great experience, and I feel academically challenged enough. With the right mindset, any student can attend the campus and thrive while becoming a future professional.
Aerial
If I\'m being completely honest it wasn\'t my first choice of school when I moved back home but it has grown on me. In order to feel a sense of belonging you should be more sociable or you will feel like the years are just passing you by. The teachers are decent depending on who you sign up for. The meals are edible when you\'re hungry but I\'d advise you learn how to cook or have money to order out.
Tamysinae
Bowie State is a great school and has ups and downs but it’s what you make of it at graduation. At college their are plenty of people to befriend and talk too. Since I have my own room I basically love it here! Bowie is like a adult; quiet sometimes but always listening and looking for bright students.
Jordun
For being my first year at Bowie State I am excited to be at a new school with a new environment. So far Bowie State's advisors have been helping me a lot with transitioning into a new school, really a state since I am an out of state student. I really hope I get all the scholarship money I need so I can focus more on the school and not so much on the money.
Jakiera
I feel like there's a great community amongst the student and staff and everyone has an opportunity to be great.
tatyana
Bowie state university home of the bulldogs is the best college you could go to although I am a freshman I can say I have wanted to come here since I was in middle school. It is one of the oldest HBCU's and in my opinion the best. IF you plan to attend we expect nothing but success. Go Bulldogs!
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Bowie State University is 41%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I learned that I have to learn things on my own and should not expect the teachers to teach me. I learned that you have to find out everything for yourself and don't expect anyone to give you the tools that you need to succeed. You can pay for an education, but don't expect one in return. This school has made my outlook of HBCU's very bad. I attended the University of MD, College Park before this school. College Park was great and fun. There were always things to do, the teachers and staff were friendly and caring, and I felt welcome there. I always had a place to study and a good meal to choose from. Bowie has already gone through 2 Provost in less than 8 months. I choose not to participate on campus simply because I can't stand having to be there just to go to class. I am in the Honors Program, and if it wasn't for that, I would never participate in any school events. I am not a negative person, but this school has made me have very negative feelings on a daily basis. Do not go there, please.
There are many things I like about my school such as the beauty of the environment and the buildings, the students and teachers, but what I consider the best thing about my school is the sizes of the classrooms. When applying for college, I choose schools that had a small amount of students, about 3500 to 5000 students, with classes that where small enough for the students to easily interact with the teacher. Personally, I feel that students interacting with their teacher is the best way to learn.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
The school should not even have accredidation because it is worthless. I do not know how it has been open this long and I am embarresed to tell people that I go there. I sometimes lie about where I go to school because I really don't want people to know. I don't know what the money from the tuition goes towards besides the salaries. I can only get wireless internet access in 2 buildings on the entire canpus.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I wish I had know that campus life isn't exciting at all and that the food isn't that great. I also wish i knew that the cafeteria hours were early, which isn't a good thing because sometimes many of us students get hungry after hours.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The worst thing about my school in my opinion is the fact that the campus is so small. It bothers me because I feel like I've met everyone in such a short period of time. I enjoy meeting new people everyday, but at Bowie the campus is so small you can meet everyone in one day.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
The type of person that should not attend this school is someone looking to get a more diverse experience. You should not attend this school if you plan on joining some type of fraternity or sororiety.
If you are a determined individual who enjoys learning, increasing your social networks, and expanding your mind, this school is for you. Keep in mind, this is a HBCU, so make sure you are open to engaging and learning about other cultures, if this is not your own.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
Bowie State University is a school where everyone is considered family. Which is what tempted me to apply. All the schools I applied to were out-of-state institutionsl; if I went there I would have to completely start over. At Bowie there is a chance that you will know some, so that you will not feel alone during this exciting transition.
The day we have Hill Harper as a guest speaker. He address students in such a motivational manner. Here is always an opportunity to meet talented people!
Describe your school to someone who's never heard of it.
It's and HBCU that welcomes international students an has a very diverse campus. It's well know for its programs on Nursing, Technology Science, Communications and Human Resources among others.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
91% of students attending Bowie State University receive some sort of financial aid.
56% were awarded federal grants.72%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.