BSU Acceptance Rate

Bowie State University, located in Maryland, is a public historically Black university with a moderately selective admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), the university reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 86.5%. This rate reflects a growing applicant pool, driven by increased interest in affordable, diverse institutions within the University System of Maryland. Factors such as academic preparation, standardized test scores (though often test-optional), and extracurricular involvement influence selectivity. Bowie State publishes limited admission statistics on its official website, with additional data sometimes available through the Common Data Set or external reports like those from the University System of Maryland.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 86.5% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 5,000 applicants and 4,325 admitted students, indicating a stable trend compared to prior years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable. Based on historical trends, early applicants may see a slightly higher acceptance rate, estimated at 88.0%, due to smaller, more prepared applicant pools.
• International Student Rate: Data unavailable. Estimated at 80.0%, reflecting regional norms for public universities with smaller international cohorts and additional admission requirements.

Over the past few years, Bowie State’s acceptance rate has remained relatively consistent, hovering between 80% and 87%, suggesting steady competitiveness. The university’s test-optional policy, adopted in recent cycles, may contribute to a larger and more diverse applicant pool, potentially impacting future selectivity. Compared to peer institutions within the University System of Maryland, such as Towson University or Morgan State University, Bowie State maintains a similar level of accessibility, prioritizing regional access to higher education. While early action data is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests it offers a slight admissions advantage. International student admissions remain a smaller focus, with selectivity likely influenced by visa requirements and English proficiency standards.