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Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD

publicHBCUgraduate

Quick Facts

Growing the Future and Leading the World

1867
Founded
Public historically black research university
Type
8,293
Total Students
9,027
Undergrad
1,712
Graduate
$8K
Tuition (In-State)
$19K
Tuition (Out-State)
$15K
Avg Net Price
83%
Acceptance Rate
42%
Graduation Rate
6-year
71%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: David Wilson

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

About Morgan State University

Morgan State: A leading R2 research HBCU, growing the future and impacting the world.

Morgan State University, nestled in Baltimore, Maryland, stands as a beacon of academic excellence and a testament to enduring legacy. As a public historically black research university, and the third-largest among all HBCUs, Morgan is committed to its powerful motto: "Growing the Future and Leading the World." It holds the prestigious R2 classification, signifying high research activity, which underscores its commitment to innovation and discovery across various fields. Prospective students and families will find a vibrant institution dedicated to comprehensive education and community impact.

Founded in 1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute, Morgan State has a rich and resilient history. It evolved from a seminary into a comprehensive college, renamed Morgan College in 1890 to honor Lyttleton Morgan. Despite initial opposition to its relocation in 1917, the university persevered, expanding its campus with key contributions like Andrew Carnegie's grant. The institution transformed significantly when the state of Maryland purchased it in 1939, becoming Morgan State College, and finally achieved university status in 1975, adding crucial doctoral programs.

Academically, Morgan State offers a robust learning environment with several professional schools recognized for their excellence. The Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. School of Engineering boasts ABET-accredited programs and is a major supplier of African-American engineers in Maryland. The Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management is AACSB-accredited, while the School of Community Health and Policy proudly saw its 2018 nursing class achieve a perfect pass rate. The School of Global Journalism and Communication, established in 2013, is one of only two Maryland universities with internationally accredited journalism programs.

The campus experience at Morgan State is enriched by continuous development, including a modern student union, the Earl S. Richardson Library, and the Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center. Significant recent donations, including multiple gifts from MacKenzie Scott and Calvin E. Tyler Jr., underscore the university's growing prominence and its commitment to student success through endowed scholarships. Morgan State is not just an institution; it's a dynamic community shaping leaders and innovators for tomorrow.

Key Highlights

  • Designated an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity," recognizing its significant research contributions.
  • Third largest Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States.
  • The 2018 nursing class achieved a perfect 100% pass rate on licensing exams.
  • Received a landmark $63 million donation from MacKenzie Scott in 2025, the largest in institutional history, following a prior $40 million gift.
  • The School of Engineering provides over two-thirds of Maryland's African-American Civil Engineers and 60% of its Electrical Engineers.
  • Home to 10,739 students, offering a diverse and engaging learning environment.
  • Founded in 1867, with a proud legacy spanning over 150 years of educational excellence.

Timeline

1867
Founded as the Centenary Biblical Institute to train men in the ministry.
1890
Renamed Morgan College in honor of the Reverend Lyttleton Morgan.
1895
Awarded its first baccalaureate degree.
1917
Moved to its present site in northeast Baltimore.
1939
Purchased by the state of Maryland and renamed Morgan State College.
1975
Designated as a university by state legislature, adding doctoral programs.
1984
Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering admitted its first class.
2013
School of Global Journalism and Communication established.
2025
Received an additional $63 million donation from MacKenzie Scott, the largest in its history.
🏛️
159 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

4 notable schools within Morgan State University

⚙️

Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering

Offers Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited degrees, and by 2015, contributed significantly to Maryland's African-American engineers, including two-thirds of Civil Engineers.

💼

Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management

Named after alumnus Earl G. Graves, Sr., it offers Bachelor, Master, and PhD degree programs, all accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

🏫

School of Community Health and Policy

Offers an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) accredited nursing program, nutritional sciences, health education, and graduate public health programs, with its 2018 nursing class achieving a 100% pass rate.

🏫

School of Global Journalism and Communication

Established in 2013, it is one of only two Maryland-based universities with an internationally accredited journalism school, offering programs in journalism, strategic communications, and multiplatform production.

Leadership

President
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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