Bowie State University Ranked Top 5 Public HBCU by U.S. News & World Report

Recognition Highlights BSU's 160-year Legacy of Academic Excellence and Student Success

(BOWIE, Md.) - Bowie State University is ranked No. 11 among "Best Historically Black Colleges & Universities" (HBCU) by U.S. News & World Report, solidifying BSU as one of the top 5 public HBCUs in the country.

"This U.S. News recognition underscores Bowie State's unwavering focus on empowering students to achieve their goals and transform their futures," said Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, president of Bowie State University. "Being recognized as one of the top public HBCUs in the nation affirms our commitment to academic innovation, entrepreneurship and student success, while carrying forward our 160-year legacy of transforming lives and communities and preparing graduates for a rapidly changing world."

Bowie State also moved up to No. 43 for "Top Public Universities in the North" and No. 116 for "Regional Universities North." Ranking at No. 62 for "Top Performers on Social Mobility" for the Regional Universities North category is a testament to Bowie State's power to transform the economic trajectory of graduates and their families. In fact, according to the UNCF 2024 HBCU Impact Report, a BSU graduate working full-time throughout his or her working life can expect to earn $1,064,188 in additional income due to a college credential. Overall, the report notes Bowie State University generates $351.3 million in total economic impact for its local and regional economies.

Bowie State's undergraduate Computer Science and Psychology programs were ranked by U.S. News at No. 294 and No. 367, respectively. Recently, Bowie State ranked No. 5 on Forbes' 2025 "Best HBCUs With Online Degrees," which includes online programs in Computer Science, Criminal Justice and Education.

U.S. News & World Report ranked 77 HBCUs using mostly the same indicators as it does for its 2026 edition of the Best Colleges rankings, including graduation and retention rates, social mobility, faculty resources, financial resources and more.

As Maryland's first historically black public university, Bowie State University empowers a diverse population of more than 6,300 students to reach their potential by providing innovative academic programs and transformational experiences as they prepare for careers, lifelong learning and civic responsibility.

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About Bowie State University

Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the 'Research College and University' designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.   

MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Alexander, [email protected], 301-860-4017