We understand your teenage years aren’t always the right time for your college experience. At Coppin, the average age of our students is 29, and we have the schedules, services, and supports in place to meet all of our students exactly where you are. Now that you’re older and wiser, look to Coppin for an experience that caters to you, your life, and your needs.

When identifying adult learners, we consider the following criteria:

• You are financially independent.
• You have primary responsibilities, including family, work, etc. outside of being a student.
• You have not been regularly enrolled in a college or university for 3 or more years.

What do I need to apply?

• Completed admission application
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended

If you have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 3 years since your last college or university enrollment, you do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores.

See where Coppin can take you.

Apply now

At Coppin, we know you are more than your test scores. While we recognize the value standardized tests like the ACT or SAT can have in our review process, we commit to holistically reviewing every student application.

We place highest value on your coursework and grade point average (GPA) because they are proven to be the best indicators of college success. We also consider your life experiences, demonstrated passions, and community engagement. Our reviews help us paint a complete picture of you—and are key to better understand your academic readiness and ability to succeed.

Until otherwise updated, Coppin has adopted a test-optional policy due to widespread challenges resulting from COVID-19. Even without test scores, we continue to review all submitted application materials, including:

• Completed admission application
• Coursework and overall GPA<
• Rigor of your current or previous curriculum
• Personal essays
• Extracurricular activities
• Recommendations
• Personal accomplishments
• Additional information that aligns with our review process

Who is required to submit standardized test scores?

• Homeschooled applicants and attendees of non-graded schools must submit official ACT or SAT scores
• Prospective NCAA Division I student-athletes must submit official ACT or SAT scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center for initial eligibility NCAA consideration. Please note: prospective student-athletes can apply for Coppin admission as test-optional applicants
• Non-native English speakers and students applying from any country without English as a native language. See our International admissions page for additional information and requirements. Students may submit official test scores from any of these tests:
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Apply now

Congratulations on your Coppin admission! Welcome to our Coppin State University family of more than 50,000 proud. We recommend you pay your non-refundable enrollment fee as soon as you decide you’re ready to join our Eagle family because it secures your spot in incoming classes.

Paying your enrollment fee is your commitment to attend Coppin. It releases your enrollment hold and allows you to register for upcoming semester courses. Also, it helps us project the amount of housing and courses we need to make available for the next year.

Pay your enrollment fee

Who’s required to pay the non-refundable enrollment fee?

If you have been newly admitted to an undergraduate, undergraduate certificate, or non-degree seeking program, you must pay the non-refundable $150 enrollment fee.

If you have been newly admitted to a graduate or doctoral program, you must pay the non-refundable $50 enrollment fee.

How do I submit the non-refundable enrollment fee?

Pay securely through EaglePay. The EaglePay screen prompts you to select “Undergraduate Enrollment Fee” or “Graduate and Doctoral Enrollment Fee.” Choose the option for your level of education.

Coppin State University is committed to providing a learning environment that is safe and conducive for students to develop to their fullest potential. The University will work collaboratively to protect, as much as possible, the health, safety and welfare of students and members of the University community.

The Behavioral Assessment Team (BAT) is an interdisciplinary team with members from various university units that responds to concerns regarding student behavior that may appear concerning, disruptive, or threatening to the campus environment. The team serves as a resource to the campus community and is designed for early intervention regarding behavioral issues to help support the health, safety, and success of students.

Troubling behavior causes us to feel alarmed, upset, or worried for a person's well-being. Disruptive behavior interferes with or disrupts the educational process of other students or the normal function of the University. Threatening behavior typically leaves us feeling frightened and fearful for our safety or the safety of others.

When notified of concerning, disruptive, and/or threatening behavior, the BAT will initiate a full and prompt review, assessing the level of concern and formulating a response plan. BAT does not adjudicate, discipline or impose sanctions against any member of the University, nor does it provide or mandate treatment.

Team Composition

The team reports to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs and core members include the:

• Associate Provost or designee
• Chief of Police or designee
• Community Standards Coordinator
• Director of Counseling Services
• Director of Disability Services
• Director of Residence Life

Other University officials may be asked to serve on the team as needed. They include but are not limited to the Athletic Director, Director of Human Resources or designee, Director of Student Activities and University Registrar or designee.

Reporting a Concern

University community members can report concerning, disruptive, and/or threatening behaviors.

Behavioral Assessment Team Referral Form

Athletics Student Concern Complaint Form

You may submit this form anonymously. Entering your personal information is optional. View the CSU policy on reporting student concerns regarding Athletics programs and activities (pdf).

Athletic Student Concern Form

Total Student Experience

At Coppin State University, Student Affairs is dedicated to enhancing the holistic student experience for undergraduates, graduates, and professional students. We focus on supporting students' academic goals, fostering personal growth, and promoting a sense of worth and aspiration as they progress toward graduation.

The Office of the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs collaborates with faculty and staff to provide guidance on policies, conduct, and university safety. Our goal is to create a supportive and engaging environment that empowers students to thrive.

What We Offer

• Leadership in student-focused initiatives
• Budget and technology support for student services
• Oversight of student conduct and disciplinary processes
• Guidance on policies and procedures

Our team is here to assist students with questions and provide support to help them navigate their university experience successfully.

Merit Awards

Coppin State University provides merit scholarships for academic excellence to new first-year and transfer students. To be considered, simply submit your application for admission, no additional application is required but essays, references, resumes, and recommendations are encouraged! 

By applying to a degree-seeking program at Coppin, you're automatically considered for a merit scholarship. Yet, these scholarships are competitive and offered by invitation only, so applying before the deadline is important. A potential scholar must be a US citizen or a US permanent resident.

Awards available to newly admitted students

 For the Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 academic year.

• Presidential Scholarship - Covers all billed costs; Tuition, Fees, Room & Board as well as all books & required materials
• Fanny Jackson Coppin Scholarship – Covers Tuition, Fees, as well as all books & required materials
• Gold First-Year Student Merit Award - $5,000 partial scholarship, awarded annually for up to 4 years (requires at least 3.0 cumulative high school GPA)
• Blue First-Year Student Merit Award - $3,000 partial scholarship, awarded annually for up to 4 years (requires at least 2.75 cumulative high school GPA)
• Transfer Merit Award - $3,000 partial scholarship, awarded annually for up to 3 years (requires at least 2.5 cumulative college GPA & 24 transferable credits)

Coppin State University gets our name from our beloved namesake, Fanny Jackson Coppin. She was a pioneer who rose through slavery to transform her life through education. She transformed her life so she could transform the lives of others. Students selected for this prestigious scholarship are expected to follow in her legacy through academic excellence, campus engagement, and community service.

Scholars who will enroll in Fall 2025 or after are subject to the following conditions of the Fanny Jackson Coppin Scholarship: The Fanny Jackson Coppin Scholarship is a four-year, renewable scholarship covering tuition, fees and up to $1000/year in books. To qualify, a potential Scholar must be a current high school senior with a weighted high school cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or above. The test score requirements are an SAT score of 1140 or an ACT composite score of 23*. A potential Scholar must be a US citizen or a US permanent resident.

The scholarship is renewable provided the Scholar completes thirty (30) credit hours during the freshman year, and maintains a cumulative 3.2 grade point average and resides on campus.

Scholars will select an Excellence track during summer orientation. Be sure to visit their webpages to learn more about each track.

Please contact the Office of Admissions for more details at 410.951.3610 or email admissions@coppin.edu.

*CSU is currently offering test optional admission. Other factors including submission of resumes and letters of recommendation may be considered in lieu of SAT and/or ACT scores.

For more details about the Fanny Jackson Coppin Scholarship requirements before 2025, please visit here.

Requirements for admitted students with pending I-20 eligibility

Sometimes a student may be admitted to Coppin State University before the student is issued a Certificate of Eligibility (also know as an I-20). When this happens, a student must submit the following:

Affidavit of Financial Support Form (I-134)

This form (I-134) can be downloaded from the United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services website. The admitted applicant is required to provide to the campus official financial bank statements verifying that more than $27,000 (room, board, mandatory fees and tuition) is available annually. Bank statements should be no more than 2 months old from the date it is submitted. Admitted international students should be prepared to pay all of their expenses for a minimum of one year prior to receiving an I-20. The University does not provide financial assistance for international students.

Immigration Transfer Recommendation Form

Applicants who have been accepted for admission will receive the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). It is also used for transferring from one institution in the United States to another. If the student has attended another U.S. institution, copy of all I-20s from previously attended schools must accompany a completed Immigration Transfer Recommendation Form from the last attended institution. All immigration documents issued by the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USCIS) must be presented.

Additional immigration information

Once the international admissions process is complete, an acceptance packet is mailed that includes your acceptance letter, the I-20 Form (for F Visa) and other enrollment related information. After receiving the I-20 Form, you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Be sure to print and keep a receipt. You must obtain your student visa from the U.S. embassy/consulate. The websites have directions for the visa application process, including how to make an appointment for your visa interview.

At the earliest opportunity, each admitted international student should notify the Office of Admissions of his/her new local or mailing address. Upon arrival to the campus, students must present their F-1 Visa to the Office of Admissions. All international students are required enroll as full-time degree candidates (minimum 12 credit hours per semester). In order to proceed with enrollment, students must report to the Office of International Programs periodically during each semester for status updates and verification of class attendance.

Immigration regulations prohibit persons on student visas from accepting paid employment during their first year in the United States and grant only limited relief for "unforeseen changes in financial circumstances."

Our Coppin State University community includes students from more than 44 countries around the world. As a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), we honor our groundbreaking legacy in meeting the needs of the African American community. At the same time, we are excited to approach the future and how we continue to grow into a more global campus—and that includes you.

When identifying international students, we look to the following criteria:

• You are not a U.S. citizen and have been educated outside of the United States
• You are currently in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa
• You are currently living outside the U.S. and require an F-1 visa to study in the U.S.
• You are currently in the U.S. on another class visa

What if I have a permanent resident or parole visa status?

Students who hold permanent resident or parole visa status must add your alien registration number on the undergraduate application where indicated. You may qualify for in-state tuition rates if you:

• submit appropriate residency paperwork and
• have documented established legal domicile in Maryland for one year prior to the semester date

Please note you may be asked to provide your alien registration card for verification. Also, any and all foreign academic records submitted for evaluation must be translated into English and notarized.