Bowie State University Admission Requirements

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  • Bowie, MD
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#8 Best Public Universities in Maryland

Bowie State University Admission Overview

Bowie State University admission requirements are moderately competitive. Last year Bowie State University admitted 72.4% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.12 GPA (B) and SAT 796-1083. Bowie State University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Bowie State University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

72.4%

Admission Standards

Extremely Easy

Applicant Competition

Low

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for Bowie State University

Acceptance Rate

The Bowie State University acceptance rate is 72.4%. Last year, 3,381 of 4,669 applicants were admitted. That is the 10th lowest acceptance rate in Maryland.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Bowie State University and can you get accepted?

Bowie State University is a moderately competitive school to get into, admitting a large majority of applicants. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Bowie State University typically attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.12. 27% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Bowie State University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.12

Typical High School Grades

B

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.12

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at Bowie State University typically have around a 3.12 GPA (B) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have about average high school grades. Bowie State University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

The school ranks #21 in Maryland for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.1 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled Bowie State University freshmen
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness
4.0 7.16% Good
3.75 to 3.99 6.79% Good
3.50 to 3.74 11.73% Avg +
3.25 to 3.49 14.08% Avg +
3.00 to 3.24 18.27% Avg -
2.50 to 2.99 31.11% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 10.49% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 0.37% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Bowie State University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

796-1083

Freshmen who sent SAT

1%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 423
  • Math 373
  • Composite 796
SAT 25th percentile scores for Bowie State University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 540
  • Math 543
  • Composite 1083
SAT 75th percentile scores for Bowie State University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at Bowie State University typically score around a 940 SAT (middle 50% 796–1083) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 29th percentile nationally. Bowie State University ranks #19 in the state of Maryland for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 796 to 1083

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

Bowie State University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 940 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Bowie State University
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1083+ Above 75th >83%
940 to 1083 Avg + 72%-83%
796 to 940 Avg - 58%-72%
Below 796 Below mid-50 <58%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Bowie State University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

Not Reported

Freshmen reporting ACT

-

25th Percentile Scores

  • English N/A
  • Math N/A
  • Composite N/A
ACT 25th percentile scores for Bowie State University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English N/A
  • Math N/A
  • Composite N/A
ACT 75th percentile scores for Bowie State University

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the Bowie State University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

Bowie State University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 3,015 1,608 4,669
Accepted 2,273 1,068 3,381
Acceptance Rate 75% 66% 72%
Enrolled 546 361 922
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 24% 34% 27%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Bowie State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Bowie State University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due

May 15, 2027

Days left to Apply

257

Applicants have 257 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on May 15, 2027.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Bowie State University is $40.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Bowie State University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

Bowie State University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 72.4% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.12 GPA (about an B average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (796-1083); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to Bowie State University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=162007.

GPA calculator: Bowie State University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026