A&T State vs Bowie State

North Carolina A&T State University and Bowie State University, both historically Black universities with rich legacies, offer unique educational experiences. While they share similarities, there are key differences to consider. North Carolina A&T boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option, while Bowie State has a slightly higher graduation rate. Both universities offer a diverse range of popular majors, including nursing, business, and education, catering to students with various interests. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further distinctions, such as student body demographics, tuition fees, and location, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Bowie State University logo

Bowie State University

North Carolina A & T State University logo

North Carolina A & T State University

Overview

Location Bowie, Maryland Greensboro, North Carolina
Campus setting Suburb: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 72.0% 77.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 87.0% 57.3%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $40

Graduate: $40
Undergraduate: $60

Graduate: $60
SAT range 840 - 1020 990 - 1170
ACT range 17 - 20 16 - 22
Students submitting SAT score 17.0% 20.0%
Students submitting ACT score 1.0% 38.0%
Total number of applicants 4,978 21,528
Total number of admissions given out 4,333 12,346
Admitted students who chose to enroll 913 2,930
Yield rate 21.1% 23.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $26,504

Out of state: $37,244
In state: $20,507

Out of state: $34,017
Average net price $14,290 $9,145
Tuition
In state: $5,760

Out of state: $16,500
In state: $3,540

Out of state: $17,050
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $7,616

Meal plan: $4,842
Room/dormitory: $4,409

Meal plan: $4,009
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

78.0%
Average amount $9,115
87.0%
Average amount $9,598
Students receiving federal student loan 49.0%
Average amount $5,364
68.0%
Average amount $5,577
Students taking out private loans 2.0%
Average amount $14,572
4.0%
Average amount $13,930

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 5,381
Men 39.0% Women 61.0%
11,596
Men 39.2% Women 60.8%
Graduate students 927
Men 31.8% Women 68.2%
1,726
Men 39.1% Women 60.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students N/A 33.6%
International students 2.8% 2.4%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 1,600 5,540
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A North Carolina Maryland South Carolina Georgia Virginia

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Engineering
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Education
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Psychology
Students to faculty ratio 18:1 19:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 41.9% 53.1%
Dropout rate 24.0% 21.0%
Transferred out 30.0% 23.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $105,317
  • Year 2: $95,473
  • Year 3: $104,121
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,584
  • Year 2: $62,012
  • Year 3: $73,718
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,055
  • Year 2: $58,673
  • Year 3: $67,579
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,606
  • Year 2: $59,045
  • Year 3: $66,119
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $41,270
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $55,369
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,731
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: $53,272
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $50,897
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $35,964
  • Year 2: $32,925
  • Year 3: $48,228
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,607
  • Year 2: $27,048
  • Year 3: $43,708
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $34,158
  • Year 2: $34,526
  • Year 3: $41,986
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,629
  • Year 2: $68,666
  • Year 3: $72,152
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $73,414
  • Year 2: $66,541
  • Year 3: $71,300
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,566
  • Year 2: $61,064
  • Year 3: $68,594
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,061
  • Year 2: $55,964
  • Year 3: $62,985
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,397
  • Year 2: $54,035
  • Year 3: $62,324
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,776
  • Year 2: $68,666
  • Year 3: $62,307
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,288
  • Year 2: $59,042
  • Year 3: $60,168
Architectural Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,103
  • Year 2: $53,810
  • Year 3: $57,162
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,063
  • Year 2: $40,791
  • Year 3: $56,806
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,300
  • Year 2: $44,971
  • Year 3: $56,343

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences in location between North Carolina A&T and Bowie State?

    North Carolina A&T State University is located in Greensboro, North Carolina, a city in the Piedmont Triad region. Bowie State University is situated in Bowie, Maryland, which is part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This means Bowie State offers easier access to the nation's capital and its associated opportunities, while North Carolina A&T is in a more mid-sized city with a strong regional presence.

  • How do the academic programs compare at North Carolina A&T and Bowie State?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. North Carolina A&T is particularly well-known for its strong engineering, technology, and agricultural programs, and has a significant focus on STEM fields. Bowie State has a growing reputation in areas like cybersecurity, computer science, and education. The specific program strengths and specializations may vary, so it's important to research the programs that align with your academic interests at each university.

  • What is the student body like at each university?

    Both North Carolina A&T and Bowie State are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with diverse student populations. North Carolina A&T generally has a larger student body than Bowie State. Both universities foster a strong sense of community and pride, with active student organizations and a vibrant campus life. The specific demographics and campus culture can vary, so visiting each campus or connecting with current students is a good way to get a feel for the environment.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, can vary between the two universities. Generally, in-state tuition at both institutions is more affordable than out-of-state tuition. It's recommended to check the official websites of North Carolina A&T and Bowie State for the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees, as well as potential financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Consider factors like living expenses in each location when comparing overall costs.

  • What are the athletic programs like at North Carolina A&T and Bowie State?

    Both universities have active athletic programs. North Carolina A&T competes in NCAA Division I, primarily in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Bowie State competes in NCAA Division II, in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). North Carolina A&T has a strong athletic tradition, particularly in football and basketball. Bowie State also has competitive athletic programs, with a focus on various sports. The level of competition and the specific sports offered will differ, so consider your interests when evaluating the athletic programs.

  • What are the career services and opportunities like at each university?

    Both North Carolina A&T and Bowie State offer career services to assist students with career planning, internships, and job placement. North Carolina A&T, with its strong STEM focus, often has robust connections with engineering and technology companies. Bowie State, being closer to Washington, D.C., may offer unique opportunities related to government, federal agencies, and the broader D.C. job market. Research the specific career services offered by each university and consider the types of employers that recruit on campus to assess which aligns better with your career goals.

  • How does campus life and student activities differ?

    Both universities offer a wide range of student activities, clubs, and organizations. North Carolina A&T, with its larger student body, may have a wider variety of clubs and organizations. Bowie State, being closer to a major metropolitan area, may offer easier access to off-campus events and activities in the D.C. area. Consider your preferences for campus size, the types of activities you enjoy, and the overall campus culture when evaluating campus life at each university. Visiting the campuses or connecting with current students is a great way to get a feel for the environment.

  • What are the admission requirements for each university?

    Admission requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), high school transcripts, and potentially letters of recommendation and essays. Both universities have specific requirements, so it's essential to check the official admissions websites of North Carolina A&T and Bowie State for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Admission standards and requirements can change, so always verify the current guidelines.

  • Which university is better for a student interested in STEM fields?

    While both universities offer STEM programs, North Carolina A&T is generally considered to have a stronger and more established reputation in engineering, technology, and related fields. However, Bowie State is rapidly growing its programs in areas like cybersecurity and computer science. The 'better' choice depends on the specific STEM field you're interested in and the program's strengths at each university. Research the specific programs, faculty, and research opportunities to determine which aligns best with your interests.

  • How do the alumni networks compare?

    Both North Carolina A&T and Bowie State have strong and active alumni networks. North Carolina A&T, with its larger alumni base, often has a more extensive network. Both networks provide valuable resources for career networking, mentorship, and professional development. The strength of the alumni network can be a significant factor in your future career prospects. Research the alumni networks of each university to see which one aligns better with your career goals and interests.

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