College Costs in Bowie, MD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Bowie, Maryland. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,185
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Bowie Overview
Population
58,025
Student Population
3,365 (5.8%)
Cost of Living Index
112.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Bowie
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,280
Total After Financial Aid
$101,280
Annual Cost
$25,320
Annual After Aid
$25,320
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,280 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,150 |
| Total Interest | $36,722 |
| Total Loan Cost | $138,002 |
Universities in Bowie
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bowie State University | Public | $11,773 |
| Bowie Community College | Community | $5,411 |
Bowie has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bowie vs. National Average
| Category | Bowie | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,800 | $10,940 | -$140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,185 | $1,050 | +$135 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112.8 | 100 | +12.799999999999997 |
Bowie's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Bowie
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,365 students
Bowie has a total population of 58,025, with approximately 3,365 college students (5.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bowie offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bowie
$55,590
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bowie earn a median starting salary of $55,590, which is $20,590 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,280 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,126 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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