Bowie State University vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowie State University in Bowie, MD with Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowie State University is larger than Virginia Union University based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 1,646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowie State University 15:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

Bowie State University vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie State University or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University than Bowie State University ($11,483 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Union University are 10% lower than at Bowie State University ($11,016 vs. $12,241).
• Virginia Union University is 89.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $8,232 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.3% higher at Bowie State University than at Virginia Union University (about $2,488 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Union University than at Bowie State University (88% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Union University students is 157% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($17,524 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie State University or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University and Bowie State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowie State University (940) is 70 points higher than at Virginia Union University (870).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083; Virginia Union University 850/885.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; Virginia Union University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bowie State University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.12) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 14.3% at Virginia Union University.

Bowie State University vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State University and Virginia Union 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).

• Bowie State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Virginia Union University's (29%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $17,200 more per year than Virginia Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $9,359 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($24,391 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $96 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($252 vs. $348).
• More Bowie State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (29% vs. 19%)

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.