USM's HBCUs are getting the attention—and support—they deserve
Bowie State University, Coppin State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore are an essential part of the USM’s mission of education and access
The 大奶福利姬’s three HBCU’s, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities— (BSU), (CSU), and the (UMES)—are an essential part of the USM’s mission of education and access and are seeing tremendous growth and impact.
Enrolling more than 12,000 students, these dynamic institutions of higher learning and community building not only advance the USM’s strategic goals of higher education access and affordability, but they attract and cultivate the kind of talent, creativity, and energy that can transform local and regional economies and contribute meaningfully to local communities. Ranked in the top third of the nation’s HBCUs by U.S. News and World Report, these landmark institutions in Maryland are growing academic programs, expanding community partnerships, and preparing underrepresented students for success.
Working closely with regional employers, USM’s HBCUs develop programs that prepare graduates to thrive in their careers and fill critical workforce shortages. Last year, 1,742 undergraduate degrees were awarded, including about 300 degrees in education, 200 in health professions, and 180 in computer science. They also introduced new degree programs to prepare graduates for growing, high-demand fields, including a new aviation maintenance program at UMES and new artificial intelligence degree at BSU. BSU alone has generated $351.3 million in economic impact and 2,524 jobs, and 80% of its graduates remain in the state.
As a driver of economic mobility and workforce development, Coppin State University plays a crucial role in training healthcare professionals, STEM innovators, business leaders, and policymakers. BSU is among the nation’s top graduate school programs in computer science, education and public affairs. UMES is the first and only HBCU to receive a Howard Hughes Medical Institute grant to provide opportunities for historically underrepresented students to excel in STEM.
These universities also are growing their research enterprise; their combined research and development expenditures exceeded $13.6 million in FY 2023. In partnership with government agencies, businesses, and other 大奶福利姬universities, they are developing distinctive research expertise in areas that include bioinformatics, cybersecurity, marine science, nanotechnology, sustainable agriculture, and more. Both BSU and UMES earned the prestigious “Research Colleges and Universities” designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification, positioning both as a key players in shaping the future of research at HBCUs.
“Maryland is more vital and more attractive for the talent and energy that HBCU alumni bring to their roles as leaders and scholars, entrepreneurs and innovators,” said 大奶福利姬 Chancellor Jay A. Perman. “We’re proud that the System’s historically Black institutions are getting the attention, acclaim, and support they deserve.”
These HBCUs have long graduated students who are a source of strength to the state and the region, and today they are attracting new funding and national acclaim.
Coppin State University
Named for Fannie Jackson Coppin, an African American pioneer in teacher education, Coppin State University has evolved from a teachers college to a leader in urban higher education with renowned programs in business, nursing, and social sciences.
This fall, Coppin State University welcomed over 1,000 new undergraduate students, marking its , thanks to a new tuition initiative where students in states without HBCUs could attend for in-state prices. It has more than quadruped the out-of-state student enrollment over the past two years with students arriving from across the country and around the world, a major shift for the institution that primarily attracted students within a 50-mile radius.
“Coppin has always been a place where talent meets opportunity. More students are selecting Coppin as their university of choice because we are leader in urban higher education, and regardless of where one is from, this place feels like home,” said Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins.
With a focus on affordability, academic excellence, and career readiness, CSU is ranked sixth among the top HBCUs for its long-term return on investment (ROI) by OnlineU. The university also earned recognition as the second-best HBCU for first-year salary outcomes and as a leader among smaller HBCUs for fostering long-term success, underscoring Coppin’s commitment to delivering high-quality education and fostering successful career pathways for its students.
In support of Coppin’s commitment to preparing students—particularly first-generation and underrepresented minorities—for high-demand careers that drive innovation and economic growth, JPMorganChase committed $500,000 to the university's initiative to expand career pathways in the growing field of data science. The funding will enable CSU to broaden its Data Science program, providing access to cutting-edge tools, research opportunities, and real-world experiences essential for success.
This fall, CSU confirmed its commitment to its mission with a landmark fundraising effort by alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends that propelled the University beyond its goal, raising $25.5 million, the largest campaign total in university history. The record-breaking result affirms Coppin’s enduring impact as a university that is irreplaceable and invaluable to residents of Baltimore and Maryland.
Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is Maryland’s oldest HBCU, tracing its roots back 160 years to the corner of Calvert and Saratoga streets in Baltimore. Moving to Bowie and evolving from a teachers college to a comprehensive university, BSU is distinguished by its strengths in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), including in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data analytics, nursing, business, social sciences and fine and performing arts.
The university integrates entrepreneurship and experiential learning across its curriculum, preparing students to become innovators in a rapidly evolving global workforce. This summer, BSU announced a partnership with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the Maryland Department of Labor, and CodePath, a national nonprofit that integrates career-ready computer science courses into college degree programs, to expand tech career opportunities and Maryland’s cyber workforce. This collaboration will strengthen the state’s technology workforce pipeline and expand access to high-demand tech career pathways for Maryland students.
“At Bowie State University, we are committed to preparing our students to lead in workplaces of the future with innovation, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset,” said Bowie State University President Dr. Aminta H. Breaux.
Bowie State University received a $50 million unrestricted gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott this fall—the largest single contribution in the university’s history. Combined with a $25 million gift in 2020, Scott’s total investment in Bowie State now reaches $75 million.
The gift will strengthen Bowie State University’s endowment and advance key priorities including expanding scholarships to reduce financial barriers, supporting research and innovation across disciplines, and enriching the student experience—ensuring that Bowie State continues to deliver on its mission of access, excellence, and opportunity for future generations.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is one of 19 HBCUs nationwide to have land-grant status and uses its scholarship to benefit the community and provide higher education access to all. When the college that became UMES opened its doors in 1886, two educators welcomed nine students. Today UMES has 3,361 students and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in physical and biological sciences, social and behavioral sciences, engineering, aviation science, agriculture, education, visual and performing arts, information technology, cybersecurity, and pharmaceutical sciences.
The university has been raising its national profile and sharpening its strategic plan around affordability, student outcomes, and workforce relevance. UMES has launched new academic programs aligned to Maryland’s growth sectors; expanded undergraduate research and internships; and deepened partnerships with K–12 schools, employers, and community organizations. UMES is one of six HBCUs offering a doctorate in pharmacy practice, and an accredited golf management program certified by the PGA of America provides students with classroom and internship experiences that prepare them for careers in the golf industry.
This fall, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) received a $38 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott—the largest single gift in the institution’s history. This gift, along with Scott’s $20 million to UMES five years ago, brings total giving to $58 million. The gift will be used to advance high-impact priorities that include expanding student access and affordability, enhancing academic and research excellence, strengthening the infrastructure for student success, and enhancing regional engagement and economic mobility.
“MacKenzie Scott’s support affirms our mission and our progress. It recognizes the hard work of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni—and it validates the lofty goals we’ve set together: removing financial barriers to completion, elevating research that solves real problems, and ensuring UMES graduates launch into great careers and lives of purpose,” said University of Maryland Eastern Shore President Heidi M. Anderson.
Contact: Amy Pelsinksy
Phone: 301.445.8503
Email: apelsinsky@usmd.edu
