Bowie State University vs. University of Charleston

Comparable Facts

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

Bowie State University is larger than University of Charleston based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 3,062 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); University of Charleston is in Charleston, WV (Small City setting).
• Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Charleston is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowie State University 15:1; University of Charleston 15:1.

Bowie State University vs. University of Charleston Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie State University or University of Charleston? 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 Bowie State University than University of Charleston ($17,287 vs. $20,844).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowie State University are 0.3% lower than at University of Charleston ($12,241 vs. $12,280).
• University of Charleston is 266.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $24,582 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.5% higher at University of Charleston than at Bowie State University (about $13,862 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $19,938.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Charleston than at Bowie State University (97% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 283.2% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($26,132 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. University of Charleston Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie State University or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston and Bowie State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Charleston (1070) is 130 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083; University of Charleston 985/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of Charleston 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; University of Charleston - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Charleston students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.13) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• Bowie State University has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than University of Charleston (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 16.8% at University of Charleston.

Bowie State University vs. University of Charleston Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State University and University of Charleston? 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).

• University of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Bowie State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than University of Charleston graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have a $3,891 lower median loan debt than Bowie State University graduates ($20,500 vs. $24,391).
• Among borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowie State University graduates ($211 vs. $252).
• More University of Charleston graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.