If you weren’t already aware, HBCU stands for “historically black colleges and universities.” They are institutions of higher education that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, with the primary mission of serving the African American community. Because so many of these institutions of higher learning can be traced to the years after the American Civil War, HBCUs tend to be concentrated in the US South.
A common question asked about HBCUs is what are the best HBCU colleges in Maryland? Maryland was a neutral border state during the American Civil War but did have slaves. Hence, in the aftermath of the war, several HBCU schools were established in Maryland. The four HBCU colleges in Maryland include the following:
Read on to find out more about the best HBCU colleges in Maryland.
Best HBCU Colleges in Maryland
When it comes to the best HBCU colleges in Maryland, there are only four colleges to work with. However, using data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), we were able to assemble a list of the best ones academically. Though some data was limited, such as SAT and ACT scores, for these HBCU colleges in Maryland, we also analyzed graduation rates and admission rates. Here’s a look at the best HBCU colleges in Maryland:
Bowie State University
4-year, public institution
Types of degrees:
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Bachelor's degree
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Postbaccalaureate certificate
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Master's degree
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Post-master's certificate
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Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Bowie State University, founded in 1865, is the oldest HBCU in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. It's located in Prince George's County, close to the nation's capital. The university provides a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across disciplines including education, business, computer science, nursing, and psychology. It is also recognized for its robust teacher education program. Bowie State University has a proud legacy of promoting diversity, inclusivity, and intellectual empowerment in its student body, faculty, and the broader community. It's a member of the University System of Maryland and holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Since Bowie State University is a public university, it has different rates of tuition for in-state students versus out-of-state students. According to NCES data, the in-state tuition and required fees are approximately $8,748 per year. On the other hand, its out-of-state tuition and fees are an estimated $19,470 per year. This makes Bowie State one of the more expensive HBCU colleges in Maryland. However, the cost is balanced by the second-best graduation rate of all four HBCU colleges, at 42%.
Coppin State University
4-year, public institution
Types of degrees:
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Two but less than 4 years certificate
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Bachelor's degree
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Postbaccalaureate certificate
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Master's degree
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Post-master's certificate
-
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Coppin State University, located in Baltimore, was established in 1900. It takes pride in its urban setting and strong community connections, offering a nurturing environment and an academically rigorous experience to its students. Coppin State offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in nursing, criminal justice, and education. Its innovative Center for Nanotechnology is also noteworthy. As an HBCU, Coppin State University has a rich history of serving traditionally underserved communities, and it is committed to fostering leadership, social responsibility, and lifelong learning.
Coppin State University has a comparatively low graduation rate of 26%. However, in terms of admissions, it can be hard to get into this university. Its undergraduate acceptance rate is the lowest in the study, at 48%, making it quite competitive to get into. Fortunately, Coppin State is the most affordable HBCU college in Maryland. According to NCES data, its estimated cost of tuition and required fees are $6,904 per year for in-state students and $13,560 per year for out-of-state students.
Morgan State University
4-year, public institution
Types of degrees:
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Bachelor's degree
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Postbaccalaureate certificate
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Master's degree
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Post-master's certificate
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Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Founded in 1867, Morgan State University is a public research university located in Baltimore. It's known as Maryland's Preeminent Urban Public Research University and is recognized as a Carnegie-classified Doctoral Research Institution. Offering more than 125 academic programs leading to a host of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, Morgan State is strong in areas such as business, engineering, education, architecture and environmental design, and social work. The university prides itself on its diverse student body and its emphasis on research and community service. It's a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Morgan State University is the largest HBCU college in Maryland, having over 7,000 undergraduate students and nearly 8,500 students in total. Out of the four HBCU colleges in Maryland, Morgan State has the highest graduation rate at 44%. The admission rate is fairly open, at 87%. Though not at affordable as Coppin State, the cost of attendance at Morgan State University is cheaper than the other two remaining HBCU colleges. Its estimated cost of tuition and required fees are $8,008 per year for in-state students and $18,479 per year for out-of-state students.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)
4-year, public institution
Types of degrees:
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One but less than two years certificate
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Bachelor's degree
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Master's degree
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Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
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Doctor's degree - professional practice
UMES is a land-grant, historically black college founded in 1886 and located in Princess Anne, Maryland. It offers a broad range of degrees across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, with notable programs in the agricultural, health, and technology fields. Its acclaimed professional golf management program is one of the few in the nation. UMES has earned a reputation for its commitment to environmental research and sustainability, as well as its efforts in promoting cultural diversity and international perspectives. The university is a member of the University System of Maryland and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
The graduation rate at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 33%, is superior to Coppin State’s rate of 26%. Gaining admission to UMES is slightly more competitive than Bowie State or Morgan State. The latter have undergraduate acceptance rates of 87%, while the corresponding rate at UMES is 82%. On the negative side, the cost of attending the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is more expensive than the other three HBCU colleges in Maryland. The cost of tuition and required fees are approximately $8,898 per year for in-state students and $19,728 per year for out-of-state students.
The Bottom Line on the Best HBCU Colleges in Maryland
All four of these HBCU colleges in Maryland have multiple academic departments, providing a broad range of study opportunities. For example, Morgan State University has 73 academic departments. Similarly, Bowie State University has an extensive academic apparatus, including four subsidiary colleges, including the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Professional Studies. Thus, whichever HBCU college in Maryland you choose to apply to and attend, you have a wide array of subjects to study.
Many of these HBCU colleges in Maryland accept scholarships, so it’s worth checking out BrokeScholar’s library of scholarships and grants if you’re interested in any of these schools. What’s great about all these HBCU colleges in Maryland is that they are quite affordable when compared to the national average cost of college, so you can get a great bang for your buck.
