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Bowie State University vs Stevenson University: which has better ROI?

Public, Bowie MD · vs · Private nonprofit, Owings Mills MD

The verdict

Stevenson University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $106,020 in 7.7 years versus 12.5 years at Bowie State University, on median earnings of $62,079 vs $54,537 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBowie State UniversityStevenson University
Net price / yr$19,298$26,505
Total net cost$77,192$106,020
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,537$62,079
Median debt$22,985$26,000
Payback12.5 yrs7.7 yrs
20-year net return$46,348$168,360

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Bowie State University or Stevenson University?

Bowie State University, at $19,298 a year after aid versus $26,505 — a gap of $7,207 a year, or $28,828 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Bowie State University or Stevenson University graduates earn more?

Stevenson University graduates report a median $62,079 ten years after entry, $7,542 more than the $54,537 at Bowie State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Bowie State University or Stevenson University?

Bowie State University: its completers carry a median $22,985 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Stevenson University, a difference of $3,015. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at Stevenson University, against 38% at Bowie State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Bowie State University vs Stevenson University: frequently asked questions

Is Bowie State University or Stevenson University a better value?
Stevenson University. It clears its $106,020 net cost in about 7.7 years versus 12.5 years at Bowie State University, on median earnings of $62,079 vs $54,537 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Bowie State University or Stevenson University?
Bowie State University: $19,298/yr net price after aid versus $26,505/yr at Stevenson University — a difference of $7,207 a year, or about $28,828 over four years.
Do Bowie State University or Stevenson University graduates earn more?
Stevenson University graduates earn a median $62,079 ten years after entry, versus $54,537 at Bowie State University — a $7,542 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.