Acceptance Rate
82%
Avg. SAT
1070
75th percentile
“Morgan State University stands as Maryland's historic beacon of opportunity, blending urban energy with a deep-rooted HBCU legacy.”
Baltimore, MD
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the heart of Baltimore, Morgan State University carries a proud history as Maryland’s preeminent public urban research institution and a historically Black college or university (HBCU). Founded in 1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute to train African American clergy, it evolved over time into a comprehensive university, renamed in 1890 after Reverend Lyttleton Morgan, a key benefactor. Its mission has always centered on providing access to higher education for underrepresented students, and today, it serves as a vital hub for fostering leadership and cultural pride in a vibrant city setting. If you’re a student who values a close-knit community, seeks a campus with a strong sense of purpose, and thrives in an environment where history and progress intersect, Morgan State could be your home.
The university’s personality is gritty yet warm, reflecting Baltimore’s own blend of resilience and charm. You’ll find a campus buzzing with ambition, where students often balance academics with a deep engagement in social issues and community service. However, the urban location comes with tradeoffs—while the city offers endless opportunities for internships and cultural experiences, navigating Baltimore’s public transit and adjusting to an urban pace can be a challenge for those unaccustomed to city life. Morgan State is ideal for self-motivated students who are ready to embrace both the energy and the occasional complexities of an urban campus.
The surrounding area is a mix of historic neighborhoods and modern redevelopment, with Morgan State sitting in northeast Baltimore, not far from landmarks like the Inner Harbor or the artsy vibe of Station North. The city itself becomes an extension of the classroom, offering a gritty, real-world backdrop for learning. Yet, some students might find the campus’s integration with the city a bit isolating if they’re seeking a more traditional, enclosed college-town feel—Morgan State’s identity is inseparable from Baltimore’s dynamic, sometimes uneven, urban fabric.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Morgan State University shines in fields like engineering, business, and education, where it has built a reputation for preparing students to lead in industries that value practical skills and innovation. The School of Engineering, for instance, is a standout, often recognized for producing a significant number of Black engineers in the nation, while the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management equips students with the tools to excel in corporate and entrepreneurial spaces. You can expect a learning environment that emphasizes hands-on experience, with many programs encouraging internships and community-based projects right in Baltimore’s urban landscape.
Classroom dynamics often lean toward smaller, more personal interactions in upper-level courses, though introductory classes can feel crowded as the university serves a large undergraduate population of over 7,600. Faculty are known for their dedication to mentoring, particularly for students who take initiative, but some popular programs can be competitive to enter, requiring strong planning and persistence. If you’re looking for a highly specialized or niche academic focus, you might find the offerings somewhat limited compared to larger research giants, but for those seeking a solid foundation with a focus on career readiness, Morgan State delivers a purposeful education grounded in real-world impact.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
9,027 undergrad • 1,712 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
2%
Black / African American
72%
Hispanic / Latino
5%
Asian
1%
Other / Multi-racial
21%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Baltimore, MD
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at Morgan State is electric with pride, especially during events like Homecoming, where the Bear spirit comes alive through step shows, parades, and alumni reunions that draw thousands to campus. You’ll find a strong sense of family here, with student organizations—especially those tied to Greek life and cultural heritage—playing a big role in shaping social connections. Residence halls foster tight-knit communities, though availability can be tight, and some students opt for off-campus housing in nearby neighborhoods, which adds a layer of independence but also logistical challenges like commuting.
A typical week might include late-night study sessions in Hillen Road’s dorms, grabbing food at a local spot near campus, and attending a panel or cultural event hosted by one of the many student groups. The social scene is vibrant but not overwhelming—parties and events are common, yet there’s no heavy pressure to participate if that’s not your style. One tradeoff is the weather; Baltimore’s winters can be harsh and damp, and the campus’s urban setting means less of a sheltered, idyllic feel compared to rural colleges, so you’ll need to adapt to both the climate and the city’s pace.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conf.
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
73%
4 Years Graduation Rate
52%
6 Years Graduation Rate
52%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$50,698
73% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Morgan State University and return in the fall. 52% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 52% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
52%
6-8 years
6%
Non-grad
42%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$5,477
Acceptance
82%
Undergrads
9,027
4-Year Grad Rate
52%
Endowment
$94M
Baltimore, MD 21251-0001
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