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Coppin State University

Accept Rate
49.56%
Grad Rate
24.7%
Enrollment
1,756
Avg SAT
920
Tuition
$7,001
Median Salary
$46,490
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
B-
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C+
Aid

The Vibe Check

Coppin State University feels like a tight-knit, mission-driven community nestled in West Baltimore, where personal attention from professors is the norm. Students often describe the atmosphere as supportive and resilient, with a strong sense of purpose, especially among those pursuing careers in healthcare and public service. It's a place where you're not just a number, but part of a family working to overcome urban challenges.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

49.56%
Selective

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 920

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Admissions Tips

1) Highlight your commitment to community service and overcoming adversity in your personal essay, as this resonates deeply with Coppin's mission. 2) With a 49.56% acceptance rate, strong grades in core high school courses are important, but a compelling story of resilience can be just as impactful. 3) If you're from the local area, make sure to articulate why Coppin's specific programs in Baltimore are the perfect fit for your career goals.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
920
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Academically, Coppin is a powerhouse in Health Professions, leveraging its location near major Baltimore hospitals for unparalleled clinical training and internships. The university emphasizes teaching over research, ensuring small class sizes and direct mentorship from faculty who are often active professionals in their fields. While research opportunities exist, they are more focused on community-based projects and applied learning rather than large-scale lab experiments.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
30%
Business & Marketing
12.3%
Criminal Justice
8.1%
Psychology
7.2%
Education
5.7%
Public Administration
5.4%
Biology & Biomedical
5.1%
Social Sciences
5.1%
Computer Science
3.9%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
3%
Visual & Performing Arts
1.5%
Mathematics & Statistics
1.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

24.7%
Graduation Rate
73.5%
Retention Rate
1,756
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$7,001
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$6,007
After financial aid
Total Cost
$20,152
Cost of attendance/year
53%
Receive Pell Grants
41.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Baltimore

Baltimore offers a vibrant, gritty city life with highlights like exploring the Inner Harbor, catching an Orioles or Ravens game, and diving into the local food scene from crab shacks to food trucks. Students often enjoy the artsy vibe of neighborhoods like Fells Point and the historic charm of Mount Vernon. For those seeking more low-key fun, Patterson Park is a popular spot for relaxation and community events.

Local Rent Check

$1,582 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Baltimore
Explore Baltimore

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$28,004
$0Est. 4 Years: $28,004

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($46,490):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Coppin State is located in an urban setting, and like any city campus, students should practice standard safety awareness. The university has its own campus police force and promotes a 'safe corridor' program for students walking in the immediate neighborhood.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely affordable tuition and low net price, minimizing student debt.
  • โœ“ Prime location for Health Professions majors with direct access to Baltimore's medical institutions.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes foster a supportive, close-knit learning environment.
  • โœ“ Strong focus on serving underrepresented communities and first-generation students.

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation rate (24.7%) can indicate challenges with student persistence and support.
  • โœ— Smaller campus may have fewer resources and amenities compared to larger universities.
  • โœ— Location in a high-crime urban area requires students to be vigilant about personal safety.

Notable Alumni

Lillian Taylor Parks
A pioneering public health nurse and the first African American to earn a master's degree in public health nursing from Johns Hopkins University.
Veronica 'Ronnie' L. Johnson
An accomplished educator and leader in the Baltimore City Public School System, known for her work in curriculum development and teacher mentorship.
Dr. Calvin W. Rolark
A prominent physician and community leader who has made significant contributions to healthcare access in underserved urban communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coppin State University is primarily known for its strong programs in Health Professions, including nursing and social work, which are bolstered by its location in Baltimore, a major medical hub. It is also recognized for its mission as an HBCU dedicated to providing educational access and opportunity to a diverse student body, particularly from the surrounding urban community.

With an acceptance rate of 49.56%, Coppin State University is considered moderately selective. This means the admissions process is competitive, but a strong application with good grades, a compelling personal essay, and demonstrated interest in the university's mission can significantly increase your chances of admission.

Campus life at Coppin is intimate due to its small enrollment of around 1,756 students, allowing for a close-knit community feel. Students are often focused on their studies, particularly in demanding fields like nursing and business, and engage in activities that reflect the urban Baltimore environment. The social scene is more subdued than at large party schools, with students often exploring the city's rich culture and history.

For students, especially those from Maryland, Coppin State can be an excellent financial investment. The low net price of $6,007 and in-state tuition of $7,001 drastically reduce student debt. When compared to the median 10-year earnings of $46,490, the value proposition is strong, particularly for graduates entering high-demand fields like healthcare, where starting salaries can be competitive and career stability is high.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

University of Maryland Medical System Johns Hopkins Health System Social Security Administration City of Baltimore Maryland Department of Health
Smart Start Score
44

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,925
  • In-State Tuition $7,001
  • Out-of-State $13,789
  • Zip Code 21216

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 23.3% โ™€ 76.7%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of just $6,007, Coppin State offers exceptional financial value, especially for in-state students at $7,001 per year. The high Pell Grant rate of 53% underscores its commitment to accessibility for low-income students. Compared to a median 10-year earnings figure of $46,490, the low cost of attendance suggests a strong return on investment, particularly for graduates in high-demand fields like nursing.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $7,001
Housing (12 mo) $18,984
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $33,185
With avg financial aid:
$6,007/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.