Points of Pride

Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Nationally recognized as a top 15-ranked HBCU, Bowie State provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that prepares students for success in high-demand fields.

Bowie State is committed to advancing academic excellence, innovative research and hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for its students. Contributing more than $351 million in economic impact, the university is focused on sustainability initiatives and community engagement, with a strong commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and workforce development. Through cutting-edge facilities, forward-thinking programs and a dedication to student success, Bowie State continues to position itself as a leader in higher education and driver of positive change in the region and beyond.

• Bowie State University has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification.
• Ranked #11 among the nation’s top HBCUs, #44 for public schools in the north, and #54 for social mobility in the Regional Universities (north) category. (U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2025)
• Designated a Military Friendly School since 2019, including a Military Friendly School Silver and a Military Spouse Friendly School designation for 2025-2026.
• Among the nation’s top graduate school programs in Computer Science, Education and Public Affairs. (U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools 2025)
• Ranked #5 in Forbes' ‘Best HBCUs With Online Degrees of 2025.’
• Ranked among ‘Best Bang for the Buck’ institutions by Washington Monthly. (2024)
• Bowie State’s cybersecurity programs are designated by the National Security Agency as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity for Cyber Defense education.
• Bowie State’s Entrepreneurship Innovation Center earned the 2024 GCEC Outstanding Emerging Entrepreneurship Center Highly Commended Award.

• With 80% of graduates remaining in Maryland, BSU is a major contributor to the state’s prosperity.
• According to the UNCF 2024 HBCU Impact Report:
  • Bowie State University generates $351.3 million in total economic impact for its local and regional economies.
  • Every dollar spent by Bowie State and its students produces positive economic benefits, generating $1.59 in total spending for its local and regional economies.
  • Bowie State generates 2,524 jobs for its local and regional economies.
  • For each job created on campus, another 1.7 public- and private-sector jobs are created off campus because of Bowie State related spending.
  • A Bowie State University graduate working full-time throughout his or her working life can expect to earn $1,064,188 in additional income due to a college credential.

• Bowie State’s Entrepreneurship Innovation Center fosters entrepreneurship across campus and in the community by integrating entrepreneurial education, hands-on resources like makerspaces and pitch events, mentorship programs and innovative curriculum to prepare students for real-world success.
• The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform at Bowie State empowers a student-selected café CEO to lead all aspects of a real-world business — overseeing operations, managing 45 peers, presenting financials and driving marketing and community outreach — while earning academic credit, mentorship and professional experience.
• The Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community is a mixed-use innovation hub that houses over 500 students alongside retail, makerspace, incubator and co-working resources to foster creative collaboration and community engagement on campus.
• The Bowie Business Innovation Center is Maryland’s first HBCU-based business accelerator and expert network serving socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. With more than 1,700 entrepreneurs served, the accelerators educate businesses on becoming bankable, equip businesses to pursue government contracts and elevate business performance in all areas during rapid growth and expansion.

• A campus-based solar panel system generates nearly 20% of the university’s power.
• BSU is a leader in green building design, with the Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing (LEED Platinum), Student Center (LEED Gold) and Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community (LEED Gold).
• Bowie State’s campus has one of the first solar charging bus stations called the SolGreen® Casini™ Power Hub.
• The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center is an integral part of the Bowie State experience — connecting students across various fields of study in a facility designed to inspire collaboration and interaction. 
• The Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community, home to more than 550 students, is infused with opportunities to develop business aspirations in specialized spaces with the latest technology. 
• The Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics & Nursing features a greenhouse, nursing simulation labs, research and instructional labs and active learning classrooms to provide students with opportunities for hands-on learning. 
• The Fine & Performing Arts Center includes four professional performance venues, a fashion studio, digital design and stop-motion animation labs, a recording studio and an art gallery enabling students to express and share their creative vision. 
• The Computer Science Building features a 3D virtual reality lab for simulations supporting homeland security preparedness and a makerspace equipped with 3D printers, allowing students to develop innovative solutions using state-of-the-art technology.
• The James E. Proctor Jr. Building houses a forensic laboratory equipped with advanced crime-scene investigation tools and an e-sports gaming studio that supports both intramural and athletic conference teams.

• Per the most recent USMF Endowment Report, the BSU Endowment has reached $46,738,560.59. (Period Ending: February 28, 2025)