Bowie State University vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

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

Bowie State University is larger than WVSU based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 3,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bowie State University vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie State University or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than Bowie State University ($11,055 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowie State University are 9.5% lower than at West Virginia State University ($12,241 vs. $13,522).
• West Virginia State University is 3.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $352 more per year; $9,570.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33% higher at Bowie State University than at West Virginia State University (about $4,948 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Virginia State University than at Bowie State University (88% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Virginia State University students is 31.9% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($8,993 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowie State University (940) is 40 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; WVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WVSU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Bowie State University vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State University and WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $17,800 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $1,141 lower median loan debt than Bowie State University graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,391).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowie State University graduates ($240 vs. $252).
• More WVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (35% 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.