Information for Parents & Families
- Call our Admissions Office at: 301-860-4000
- Undergraduate admissions: ugradadmissions@bowiestate.edu
- Graduate admissions: gradadmissions@bowiestate.edu
We're Glad You're Here
We’re excited to have you as an extended member of the Bowie State University family. As Maryland’s first HBCU, we are recognized for our innovative educational programs, affordable tuition rates and significant contribution to upward social mobility.
The transition to college life is marked by milestones, celebrations, change and growth. Our goal is to work with you to help you become the best support system possible.
How to Support Students Throughout Their College Journey
Every family is unique and being part of a successful support system can be influential in the path toward college. With your active and positive encouragement, you can help prepare for college, aid in the application process and set up higher education success.
Preparing for college can look different for different families. Here are some tips for creating the best path towards success.
- Be a copilot: Find the right balance between encouragement and not taking too much control over which college you believe is right. While your involvement is appreciated, you should not be the one to make the final decision.
- Where to Begin: Review all admission requirements, remember deadlines, check test-optional policies and document financial aid information.
- Plan campus visits: If possible, set aside some time to visit schools. This will help students make a more informed decision.
- Help track deadlines: Work with your students to help them manage important deadlines so they submit the necessary materials and information at the right time.
- Prepare the application: There are many moving parts when you’re applying to college, so we’ve streamlined the process by offering a no-fee, no-essay, test-optional application.
- Title IX Sexual Assault Prevention : Learn how Bowie State supports a safe, respectful environment through prevention education and Title IX resources.
- Campus Safety: Our safety team provides 24/7 services, including emergency response and escorts, to help keep your student safe on campus.
Why Choose an HBCU?
Discover the unique value of HBCU, where cultural heritage, diverse learning methods, affordable education and leadership development come together to create an empowering academic community. Learn more about the unique cultural values of HBCUs.
See Bowie State for Yourself
Gain a strong sense of what life at Bowie State is like by scheduling an in-person visit. Plan your trip through the link below. You can take a tour, visit academic buildings and laboratories, and dine with us at one of our on-campus eateries.
Plan a Visit >
Bowie State Parent Resources
There are many ways you can support your Bulldog student. Be sure to participate in New Student Orientation and attend the CIAA Men’s & Women’s Basketball Tournaments and other sporting events together!
Tools for Families
Virtual Sessions for Family
The Bulldog Family Network offers virtual information sessions designed to help families navigate the transition into the new academic year. These sessions provide an overview of key topics such as housing options, financial planning and campus resources. Additional session details will be shared by email as they become available.
Enrollment
Once admitted, be sure to go through the student checklist together, which will direct you to the enrollment process and housing and financial aid applications. Please note: Students must apply for both housing and financial aid annually.
Support for Disabilities
At Bowie State, we want to make sure that students with disabilities have access to all of our programs and services. We offer academic support and an Adaptive Technology Lab for accessible learning, and we prepare our faculty and staff to have a greater understanding of disability needs.
Contact Admissions
We’re excited that your family is considering Bowie State. If you have any additional admissions questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Phone: 301-860-4000 or 1-877-77-BOWIE
Fax: 301-860-3518
Undergraduate admissions: ugradadmissions@bowiestate.edu
Graduate admissions: gradadmissions@bowiestate.edu