Morgan State University

Baltimore, Maryland, United States · Est. 1867 · HBCU

Maryland's preeminent public urban research university and third-largest HBCU, founded 1867.

  • Founded 1867 as Centenary Biblical Institute; became Morgan State University in 1975
  • Public historically black research university (R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity)
  • Third largest HBCU nationally; largest in Maryland with 10,739 students (fall 2024)
  • Offers 150+ academic programs across 12 schools and colleges, from baccalaureate to doctorate
  • Only HBCU with entire campus designated National Treasure by National Trust for Historic Preservation
  • 143-acre urban campus in northeast Baltimore; $1.5 billion annual economic impact statewide

Academics

Morgan State awards baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate degrees through twelve schools and colleges, including engineering, architecture, business, journalism, education, and social work. The university has educated over 100 Fulbright scholars—the most of any HBCU—and ranks first among HBCUs in Fulbright-related grants. Notable programs include ABET-accredited engineering (first graduates 1988), NAAB-accredited architecture and planning (only HBCU with these programs when established in 1997), and nursing with a perfect 100% pass rate on licensing exams in 2018.

Campus & Student Life

The 143-acre urban campus in northeast Baltimore features state-of-the-art facilities including the Earl S. Richardson Library (222,517 sq ft, 500,000+ volumes), Center for the Built Environment and Infrastructure Studies, Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center, and multiple research laboratories. Students engage through NCAA Division I athletics (MEAC conference), Greek life, student media (The Spokesman newspaper, WMUR radio, BEAR-TV), and residential life. The campus is designated a National Treasure and located near Baltimore's cultural, dining, and employment opportunities.

Admissions

Morgan welcomes freshman, transfer, and international applicants. The university accepts applications through multiple pathways and considers unofficial transcripts for domestic applicants under certain criteria. Transfer students from regionally accredited institutions are welcome. International applicants must apply for F-1 visas or arrange SEVIS transfers. Financial aid is available through various programs; detailed eligibility and application information is provided on the admissions website.

Research & Impact

As an R2 research university, Morgan engages in active research with the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and U.S. Department of Defense. The Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL), located 80 miles south on the Patuxent River, focuses on coastal and environmental systems management. Recent major donations include $63 million from MacKenzie Scott (2025), $40 million (2020), and $20 million from Calvin E. Tyler Jr. (2021), supporting scholarships and research initiatives.

Founded
1867
Type
HBCU
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationHistorically Black College/University (HBCU); Thurgood Marshall College Fund member
Websitehttps://www.morgan.edu
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
$50.7K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources