VSU vs. Bowie State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA with Bowie State University in Bowie, MD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Valdosta State University is larger than Bowie State University based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 6,353 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valdosta State University is located in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting); Bowie State University is in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting).
• Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valdosta State University 17:1; Bowie State University 15:1.

VSU vs. Bowie State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU or Bowie State University? 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 Valdosta State University than Bowie State University ($11,144 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 22.1% lower than at Bowie State University ($9,530 vs. $12,241).
• Bowie State University is 50.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $3,094 more per year; $9,218.00 vs. $6,124.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.8% higher at Bowie State University than at Valdosta State University (about $2,102 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $17,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valdosta State University than at Bowie State University (93% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valdosta State University students is 49.7% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($10,206 vs. $6,819).

VSU vs. Bowie State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valdosta State University (1010) is 70 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 920/1100; Bowie State University 796/1083.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Required; Bowie State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU Jun 15, 2027; Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VSU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• Bowie State University has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than VSU (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26% at VSU vs. 27.3% at Bowie State University.

VSU vs. Bowie State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU and Bowie State University? 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).

• Valdosta State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Bowie State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $609 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($24,391 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($252 vs. $258).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (41% 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.