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Coppin State University

Baltimore, MD

publicHBCUgraduate

Quick Facts

Nurturing Potential... Transforming Lives

1900
Founded
Public historically black university
Type
1,756
Total Students
1,907
Undergrad
303
Graduate
$7K
Tuition (In-State)
$14K
Tuition (Out-State)
$6K
Avg Net Price
50%
Acceptance Rate
26%
Graduation Rate
6-year
73%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Anthony L. Jenkins

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

About Coppin State University

Coppin State: A historic HBCU dedicated to nurturing potential and transforming lives.

Coppin State University, a proud Public Historically Black University (HBCU) in Baltimore, Maryland, has been a cornerstone of educational advancement since its founding in 1900. Embodying its powerful motto, "Nurturing Potential... Transforming Lives," Coppin State is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers its diverse student body. With a current enrollment of 2,210 students, it continues its legacy of fostering academic excellence and community engagement.

The university's rich history began as a one-year teacher training course for African-American elementary school teachers at what was then Colored High School. Through dedicated expansion and a commitment to its mission, it evolved significantly. In 1926, it was proudly named Fanny Jackson Coppin Normal School, honoring a pioneer in teacher education. This institution steadily grew, gaining the authority to grant Bachelor of Science degrees by 1938 and later expanding its degree-granting scope beyond just teacher education in 1963, marking its transformation into Coppin State College.

Becoming a vital part of Maryland's higher education system in 1950, and later joining the University System of Maryland in 1988, Coppin State demonstrated its enduring commitment to academic breadth and innovation. Officially renamed Coppin State University in 2004, it stands today as a comprehensive institution that maintains its historical roots while preparing students for diverse professional futures. Its journey from a teacher training program to a respected university reflects a century-long dedication to educational access and the transformative power of learning. The recent initiative offering free tuition to graduates of the Fanny Jackson Coppin School further highlights its commitment to fostering educational pathways.

Key Highlights

  • A Historic HBCU: Founded in 1900, Coppin State is a Public Historically Black University (HBCU) with a rich legacy of empowering students.
  • Transformative Mission: Guided by its motto, "Nurturing Potential... Transforming Lives," the university is dedicated to student success and community impact.
  • Pioneering Education: Originally established to train African-American elementary school teachers, it was named in honor of education pioneer Fanny Jackson Coppin.
  • Growing Academic Scope: Evolved from a one-year training course to a comprehensive university, granting Bachelor of Science degrees by 1938 and expanding beyond teacher education in 1963.
  • Part of a Major System: Became part of the University System of Maryland in 1988, enhancing its resources and collaborative opportunities.
  • Significant Enrollment: Home to 2,210 students, fostering a close-knit and supportive academic environment.
  • Commitment to Access: Demonstrated its dedication by offering free tuition to graduates of the Fanny Jackson Coppin School in 2022.

Timeline

1900
Founded by the Baltimore City School Board, initially as a one-year training course for African-American elementary school teachers.
1926
Named Fanny Jackson Coppin Normal School, honoring a pioneer in teacher education.
1938
Curriculum lengthened to four years, authorized to grant Bachelor of Science degrees, renamed Coppin Teachers College.
1950
Became part of Maryland's higher education system, renamed Coppin State Teachers College.
1952
Moved to its present 38-acre site on West North Avenue.
1963
Degree-granting authority expanded beyond teacher education, officially renamed Coppin State College.
1967
Conferred its first Bachelor of Arts degree.
1988
Became part of the newly organized University System of Maryland.
2004
Officially renamed Coppin State University.
2022
Offered free tuition to graduates of the Fanny Jackson Coppin School in Philadelphia.
🏛️
126 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Anthony L. Jenkins
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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