Bowie State University

Bowie, MD

publicHBCUgraduate

Find Scholarships Here

Quick Facts

5,207

Total Students

$9K

Tuition (In-State)

$20K

Tuition (Out-State)

$19K

Avg Net Price

84%

Acceptance Rate

38%

Graduation Rate

6-year

70%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Bowie State University

Maryland's oldest HBCU, Bowie State University has championed education and opportunity since 1865.

Bowie State University stands as a beacon of educational progress, proudly holding the distinction of being the oldest historically black university in Maryland. Founded in 1865 by the Baltimore Association for the Moral and Educational Improvement of the Colored People, its journey began as a vital teaching school, providing essential opportunities for African Americans in a post-Civil War era. This commitment to education laid the groundwork for countless educators and leaders.

From its humble beginnings in space provided by the African Baptist Church in Baltimore, the institution quickly grew, establishing dedicated facilities and evolving its curriculum. It transitioned from the Baltimore Normal School for Colored Teachers to a state institution, demonstrating its profound impact on Maryland's educational landscape. This shift cemented its role as a state-sponsored provider of quality education, continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of its students and the community.

Academically, Bowie State has a rich legacy of innovation, particularly in teacher education. What began as a two-year professional degree in 1925 expanded steadily, incorporating three-year programs, and eventually robust four-year programs for elementary, junior high, and secondary school teachers. This progression highlights the university's dedication to developing comprehensive academic strengths and preparing highly qualified professionals across various educational fields. For prospective students and families, Bowie State offers a profound connection to history and a commitment to future-forward education.

Moving to its expansive 187-acre campus in Prince George's County in 1910, the university fostered a close-knit environment, initially accommodating around 60 students in an old farmhouse. This unique blend of historical significance, academic rigor, and a nurturing campus environment defines the Bowie State experience, inviting students to become part of a storied institution that continues to shape futures.

Key Highlights

✦Established in 1865, making it the oldest historically black university (HBCU) in Maryland.
✦Began as a teaching school specifically for the education of African Americans after the Civil War.
✦Became a state institution of teaching in 1908, redesignated as Normal School No. 3.
✦Relocated to a 187-acre campus in Prince George's County in 1910.
✦Expanded its degree offerings from a two-year professional program (1925) to comprehensive four-year programs for elementary (1935), junior high (1951), and secondary (1961) teachers.

Timeline

1865

Founded by the Baltimore Association for the Moral and Educational Improvement of the Colored People as a teaching school.

1867

Formally named the Baltimore Normal School for Colored Teachers.

1883

Reorganized as the Baltimore Normal School.

1908

Became a state institution under the Maryland State Department of Education and redesignated as Normal School No. 3.

1910

Moved to the Jericho Farm, a 187-acre campus in Prince George's County.

1914

Renamed as the Maryland Normal and Industrial School at Bowie.

1925

Added a two-year professional degree program.

1935

Added a four-year program for elementary school teachers and renamed Maryland Teachers College at Bowie.

1951

Added a four-year program for junior high school teachers.

1961

Added a four-year program for secondary school teachers.

Find Scholarships at Bowie State University

Start Your Free Search