Bowie State University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowie State University in Bowie, MD with Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowie State University is larger than Potomac State College of West Virginia University based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 1,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); Potomac State College of West Virginia University is in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowie State University 15:1; Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1.

Bowie State University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie State University or Potomac State College of West Virginia University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Potomac State College of West Virginia University than Bowie State University ($9,541 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowie State University are 2.7% lower than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University ($12,241 vs. $12,580).
• Bowie State University is 74.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $3,938 more per year; $9,218.00 vs. $5,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51% higher at Bowie State University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $6,738 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $13,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Potomac State College of West Virginia University than at Bowie State University (90% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students is 1% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($6,890 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie State University or Potomac State College of West Virginia University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Potomac State College of West Virginia University and Bowie State University.

• Potomac State College of West Virginia University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; Potomac State College of West Virginia University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bowie State University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.12) than students at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (3.06).

Bowie State University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State University and Potomac State College of West Virginia University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Potomac State College of West Virginia University earn a median of about $100 more per year than Bowie State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $50,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have a $390 lower median loan debt than Bowie State University graduates ($24,001 vs. $24,391).
• Among borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowie State University graduates ($248 vs. $252).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 29%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.