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Frostburg State University

Frostburg, MD

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

2,849
Total Students
$10K
Tuition (In-State)
$25K
Tuition (Out-State)
$15K
Avg Net Price
89%
Acceptance Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
6-year
66%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

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

About Frostburg State University

Frostburg State: Resilient, evolving, and educating future leaders in Western Maryland.

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Western Maryland, Frostburg State University offers a vibrant academic journey rooted in over a century of educational evolution. What began as a dedicated institution for training public school teachers has blossomed into a comprehensive university, known for its enduring spirit and commitment to student success. FSU empowers its students with a blend of rigorous academics and a supportive community, preparing them for diverse careers and impactful lives.

The university's compelling history began on March 31, 1898, as State Normal School No. 2, with its first building, Old Main, opening its doors in 1902. Through various transformations, including becoming the State Teachers' College at Frostburg and later Frostburg State College, the institution proved its resilience. Notably, in the mid-1940s, it successfully fought against a movement to close its doors, thanks to strong local support and visionary leadership, particularly from its first female president, Lillian Cleveland Compton, who dramatically revitalized the college.

Academically, Frostburg State University has continuously expanded its horizons. Starting with a two-year teaching certificate, it quickly grew to offer a four-year Bachelor of Science in elementary education by 1935. Further growth in 1960 allowed it to grant Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees, culminating in the introduction of its first doctoral degree in 2012. This steady expansion of programs, coupled with its campus growth from a modest two acres to a sprawling university environment, underscores FSU's dedication to providing a broad range of opportunities for its students. Today, students at Frostburg State University benefit from this rich legacy of adaptability and academic excellence, fostering an engaging learning experience that extends beyond the classroom.

Key Highlights

  • Founded on March 31, 1898, as State Normal School No. 2 to train public school teachers for Maryland's public school systems.
  • Successfully overcame a significant movement to close the institution in the mid-1940s, experiencing an enrollment surge from 62 students in 1945 to 500 in 1954.
  • Evolved from a two-year teaching program to offer Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Education degrees, introducing its first doctoral degree in 2012.
  • Lillian Cleveland Compton served as the first female president from 1945-1954, credited with revitalizing the college and expanding its campus from eight to 40 acres.
  • Achieved university status in July 1987, officially becoming Frostburg State University.
  • Opened an extension campus in Hagerstown in 1988, which later became the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown.

Timeline

1898
Founded by an act of the Maryland General Assembly as State Normal School No. 2.
1902
Opened its first class on September 15 with 57 students in its first building, Old Main.
1935
Renamed "State Teachers' College at Frostburg" and began offering a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education.
1945
Lillian Cleveland Compton became the first female president of the college.
1960
Granted the right to award Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees, marking a shift in its educational mission.
1963
Renamed Frostburg State College, reflecting its broadened academic scope.
1987
Achieved university status, officially becoming Frostburg State University.
1988
Opened an extension campus in Hagerstown.
2012
Offered its first doctoral degree.
2024
Faced a $7.7 million deficit, leading to plans for faculty reductions and administrative reorganization.

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