Coppin State University

Coppin State offers 53 majors with a practical bent, including standout programs in nursing (ranked top in Maryland by nurse.org), criminal justice, and social work. The curriculum emphasizes career readiness, with cybersecurity engineering and urban arts among distinctive offerings. As the fastest-growing university in Greater Baltimore, it combines small-program intimacy with research growth—R&D expenditures skyrocketed 1,200% to $14 million recently. The most popular majors are:

• Registered Nursing
• Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
• Social Work
• Business Administration

Baltimore's urban energy fuels campus life, where Greek organizations host inclusive events and 30+ clubs span interests from dance to debate. While some students wish for better-funded club sports, the Office of Campus Life keeps calendars packed with networking mixers, leadership workshops, and cultural events. New facilities like the Science and Technology Center elevate the experience. The vibe is communal—64% of students are first-gen?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context.—with mentorship programs helping navigate college transitions.

Graduation rates lag at 26% overall (14% four-year rate for 2021 cohort), but Coppin shines in ROI—ranked 6th among HBCUs for long-term returns. Alumni earn $36,427 median income one year post-graduation, outperforming many peers. The university touts strong first-year salary outcomes (2nd best among HBCUs), particularly for nursing and criminal justice grads. Male students face steeper challenges, graduating at lower rates than female peers.

As the most affordable University System of Maryland school, Coppin's net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. drops to $8,000 after aid—90% of students receive assistance, with average packages of $9,900. The financial aid office aggressively targets first-gen?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. needs: 89% of first-years get grants/scholarships. Cost breakdowns include:

• Tuition & fees: $7,026 (in-state)
• Room/board: $10,950
• Books/supplies: $1,200

Coppin State defies expectations: an HBCU that delivers top-tier nursing education and cybersecurity training while maintaining radical accessibility. Its Baltimore location provides real-world labs for criminal justice and social work students. Though graduation rates need work, the university's 1,200% research growth and #6 HBCU ROI ranking prove its upward trajectory. For first-gen?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. students (64% of the population) seeking affordable career launchpads, few schools match Coppin's blend of support and urban opportunity.