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Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD·Public·8,293 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state Maryland residents. no major red flags in the data. 54% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

83%
Accept
8,293
Students
$15,015
Net Price
42%
Grad Rate
$42,600
Earnings
10 yr
$19,500
Debt

About This School

Morgan State University is a public institution located in Baltimore, Maryland with approximately 8,293 undergraduate students enrolled. Morgan State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 83%. The average net price after financial aid is $15,015 per year. The graduation rate is 42%, and the typical graduate earns $42,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Morgan State University is a public historically black research university in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It is the third largest among all Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs). In 1890, the university, then known as the Centenary Biblical Institute, changed its name to honor Lyttleton Morgan, the first chairman of its board of trustees and a donor. It became a university in 1975.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: as one of the largest HBCUs in the country, Morgan State offers a strong sense of community and an affordable price point — just $15,015/year average net cost — making it genuinely accessible. However, the 42% graduation rate is a real concern, meaning fewer than half of students who start here finish, and median earnings of $42,600 a decade out are modest, so students should choose a major with an eye toward career outcomes. Worth considering if you're drawn to HBCU culture, Baltimore's job market, and need to keep costs down — but go in with a clear plan and use every academic support resource available.

Founded
1867
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing16%
Engineering11%
Communications9%
Computer Science7%
Psychology6%
Social Sciences6%
Health Professions6%
Biological Sciences6%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Mo'NiqueGeorge RhodenOmosValerie ThomasRochelle StevensLester SpeightJack PierceDeniece WilliamsAnne Wiggins BrownJames Alan McPhersonKweisi MfumeJosh Culbreath

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite984
Reading 75th %ile530
Math 75th %ile550

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite18

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,118
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,800
Avg Net Price
$15,015
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants54%
Median debt at graduation$19,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
42%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
71%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.2x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White1%
Black74%
Hispanic/Latino5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (8,293 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Morgan State University

1700 East Cold Spring Lane

Baltimore, MD 21251-0001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Maryland

Browse all Maryland schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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