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Bowie State University

14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD 20715-9465, USA

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Bowie State University award
Bowie State University award
US ranking
position: 341
Tuition & fees per year: $9,529
Acceptance rate: 84.00%
Median alumni salary: $42,961
Avg. SAT and ACT: 930 SAT, 19 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Easy

What does Bowie State University offer in terms of athletics?

Bowie State University supports a variety of athletic programs designed to engage students and promote school spirit. The university competes in NCAA Division II as a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), providing student-athletes with competitive opportunities across multiple sports.

The athletics department sponsors men's and women's teams in sports such as basketball, football, track and field, cross country, softball, volleyball, and tennis. These programs emphasize not only athletic performance but also academic achievement and personal development.

Facilities for athletics include a football stadium, gymnasium, and athletic training centers, which offer students modern resources to train and compete at a collegiate level. Prospective students interested in athletics can expect organized programs that balance physical activity with educational goals.

What student groups and Associations are available at Bowie State University?

Bowie State University hosts a vibrant student community with a significant number of individuals involved in various social organizations. Specifically, there are 6 men and 10 women participating in these groups, within a student body comprising 1,707 men and 2,602 women. This indicates active engagement among students in extracurricular associations, contributing to campus life beyond academics.

Who studies at Bowie State University?

Bowie State University has a diverse student body marked by an average level of incoming students. Each year, about 991 freshmen enroll, placing the university near the median compared to its peers. Additionally, transfer students number around 459, which ranks slightly above average. Overall, the university manages around 1,450 new students annually, reflecting a steady intake that situates it in the middle of national percentile rankings.

The age distribution of students exhibits a broad range, especially among undergraduates. Most undergraduates fall between 18 and 21 years old, with 1,696 students aged 18 to 19 and 1,523 aged 20 to 21. There is also significant representation of older students, including 421 aged 25 to 29 and 101 in the 40 to 49 age bracket, indicating opportunities for non-traditional learners. Graduate students tend to be older, predominantly in their mid-20s to late 40s, with notable numbers such as 268 students aged 25 to 29 and 220 aged 40 to 49.

Ethnic composition at Bowie State University shows a particularly strong African American presence, with 4,107 students classified as African, an exceptionally high proportion compared to similar institutions nationwide. Hispanic students number 287, while White students total 135, reflecting different representation levels across groups. Other ethnicities include Native American (21 students), Asian (47 students), Pacific Islander (12 students), and students identifying with two or more races (216). A group of 140 students have their ethnicity recorded as unknown.

How does student life look like at Bowie State University?

Bowie State University offers a range of campus activities that cater to students interested in the arts and media. Students can participate in drama productions, join the campus band or chorus, and engage with the university's television station. The campus also supports a newspaper, providing opportunities for those involved in journalism and communications.

Health and wellness services are available, including a health clinic and psychological counseling, aimed at supporting the student community. However, some services such as legal assistance and a dedicated women's center are not offered on campus.

With a student-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the university maintains a learning environment that facilitates meaningful interaction between students and instructors. The total student enrollment sits at an average level, with 6,353 students enrolled overall and 890 full-time degree-seeking students, reflecting a moderately sized student body.

Staff levels show a balance between full-time and part-time employees, with 248 full-time and 297 part-time staff members, indicating a campus infrastructure designed to support student needs adequately.

What libraries are available to students at Bowie State University?

Bowie State University provides students access to three libraries, a notably high number compared to many institutions. The main facility is the Thurgood Marshall Library, complemented by two additional libraries, placing the university in the top 35% for the number of other libraries available.

While the total collection encompasses approximately 141,493 physical books, this number is considered average and ranks in the lower 45% among comparable universities. The library subscribes to 828 periodicals, also an average figure falling into the bottom 40%. Digital collections are more limited, with 881 ebooks available, ranking the university in the bottom 20% for this resource category.

Database access includes 94 distinct resources, situating Bowie State University near the median range at about the 47th percentile. Students benefit from both physical and digital access to library materials, as well as study rooms to support collaborative and individual work. Trained staff are available to assist users, and shared collections enhance resource availability beyond the immediate holdings of the university's libraries.

Bowie State University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

6353

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

890

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

248 full time, 297 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Bowie State University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Thurgood Marshall Library

Number of libraries on campus

3

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Bowie State University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Bowie State University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Bowie State University Location & Map

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