Coppin State University provides merit scholarships for academic excellence to new, current, 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.

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.

Merit Awards for newly admitted students for the Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 academic year

• Presidential Scholarship - Covers all billed costs; Tuition, Fees, Room & Board and $2000 for books
• Fanny Jackson Coppin Scholarship – Covers Tuition, Fees, and $1000 for books
• 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, enrolls in the Academic Excellence track via the Honors Program or the Leadership Excellence track, 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.

Ready for your next career step? Graduate school is your opportunity to master a specific field of study. More focused and intense than undergraduate coursework, the graduate experience allows you to advance your knowledge and career positioning to become an industry leader.

Remember, all graduate programs require you to have earned a bachelor’s degree first.

Apply for Fall 2025

Who makes graduate admissions decisions?

The Graduate Admissions Committee makes admission decisions for master’s and doctoral programs. This Committee consists of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, the Graduate Program Coordinator/Chair and the program team.

Admission requirements needed to complete your graduate application:

Application for admission

We encourage you to apply online. After applying you may hand-deliver or mail all supplemental materials to:

Coppin State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
College of Business Building, Suite 320
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698

$50.00 non-refundable application fee

Everyone who submits an application for admission must pay the $50.00 application fee. You will be prompted to pay your non-refundable application fee on your application status page after submission of your application.

Official transcripts from all community colleges, colleges, and/or universities attended

An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is required. Official transcripts can be sent electronically or in paper form. For your transcript to be considered official, it must be sent directly from your institution, approved transcript service (e.g. Parchment) or delivered in an envelope sealed with an official seal, stamp, signature from your institution.

All transcripts can be sent to:

Coppin State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
College of Business Building, Suite 320
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698

or

graduatestudies@coppin.edu

International students only

Transcripts from institutions outside of the U.S. and related territories must also include a course-by-course evaluation completed by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Visit our resources for international students to learn more about additional admission requirements.

3 letters of recommendation

A letter of recommendation is a document provided by someone who is familiar with your character, integrity, and academic capabilities. It is advisable to request such a letter from individuals who can attest to your professional qualifications, such as current employers, instructors, or community leaders. When you are completing your application, you will need to provide the contact details of your recommenders, and they will receive a request to submit their recommendation on your behalf.

Official GRE or PRAXIS score, if required

Certain graduate programs may require official standardized test scores for the Graduate Admissions Committee to reference when making admission decisions.

If your program requires GRE or PRAXIS scores, Coppin State University’s school codes are:

• GRE: 5122 Coppin State College
• PRAXIS: RA5122 Coppin State University

Readmission to Graduate School

If you have been absent from the university for more than one semester, you may be required to complete the application for readmission to the university.

Where should I send my graduate application and supporting documents?

The graduate application is available online and also as a PDF document. If your desired program requires additional documentation, please send it to:

Coppin State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
College of Business Building, Suite 320
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698

Ready for your next career step? Graduate school is your opportunity to master a specific field of study. More focused and intense than undergraduate coursework, the graduate experience allows you to advance your knowledge and career positioning to become an industry leader.

Remember, all graduate programs require you to have earned a bachelor’s degree first.

Apply for Fall 2025

Who makes graduate admissions decisions?

The Graduate Admissions Committee makes admission decisions for master’s and doctoral programs. This Committee consists of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, the Graduate Program Coordinator/Chair and the program team.

Admission requirements needed to complete your graduate application:

Application for admission

We encourage you to apply online. After applying you may hand-deliver or mail all supplemental materials to:

Coppin State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
College of Business Building, Suite 320
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698

$50.00 non-refundable application fee

Everyone who submits an application for admission must pay the $50.00 application fee. You will be prompted to pay your non-refundable application fee on your application status page after submission of your application.

Official transcripts from all community colleges, colleges, and/or universities attended

An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is required. Official transcripts can be sent electronically or in paper form. For your transcript to be considered official, it must be sent directly from your institution, approved transcript service (e.g. Parchment) or delivered in an envelope sealed with an official seal, stamp, signature from your institution.

All transcripts can be sent to:

Coppin State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
College of Business Building, Suite 320
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698

or

graduatestudies@coppin.edu

International students only

Transcripts from institutions outside of the U.S. and related territories must also include a course-by-course evaluation completed by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Visit our resources for international students to learn more about additional admission requirements.

3 letters of recommendation

A letter of recommendation is a document provided by someone who is familiar with your character, integrity, and academic capabilities. It is advisable to request such a letter from individuals who can attest to your professional qualifications, such as current employers, instructors, or community leaders. When you are completing your application, you will need to provide the contact details of your recommenders, and they will receive a request to submit their recommendation on your behalf.

Official GRE or PRAXIS score, if required

Certain graduate programs may require official standardized test scores for the Graduate Admissions Committee to reference when making admission decisions.

If your program requires GRE or PRAXIS scores, Coppin State University’s school codes are:

• GRE: 5122 Coppin State College
• PRAXIS: RA5122 Coppin State University

Readmission to Graduate School

If you have been absent from the university for more than one semester, you may be required to complete the application for readmission to the university.

Where should I send my graduate application and supporting documents?

The graduate application is available online and also as a PDF document. If your desired program requires additional documentation, please send it to:

Coppin State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
College of Business Building, Suite 320
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698

What you need to apply for admission

Application for Admission

Get started by completing the Spring/Fall 2025 application.

If you were enrolled at Coppin State University and are now applying for re-admission to an undergraduate program, please work with the Office of Records and Registration and apply with the Undergraduate Re-Admit Application.

Official High School transcript

Official transcripts can be sent electronically or in paper form. For your transcript to be considered official, it must be sent directly from your high school or delivered (in person or by mail) in a sealed envelope. Your official transcript can also be emailed directly from your high school registrar/school counselor office to Admissions@coppin.edu.

Also make sure to send us your official scores if you’ve earned credit through Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests.

If you have taken any college coursework or earned any college credits, please submit all official transcript(s) from all other institution(s) attended.

International Students

Transcripts from institutions outside of the U.S. and related territories must also include a department-by-department or course-by-course evaluation completed by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Visit our resources for international students to learn more about additional admission requirements.

More international student resources

Official ACT or SAT scores

Students applying for Spring 2023 or Fall 2023 are not required to submit American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, per our Test-Optional Policy. Also, if you are age 21 or older do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores.

If you are required or decide to submit ACT or SAT scores, Coppin State University’s school codes are:

• SAT: 5122 Coppin State University
• ACT: 1688 Coppin State College

Approved alternative credit scores

You may be able to earn college credit for scores received through:

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Prior learning credit

Visit our resources on Advanced Placement (AP) and prior learning credit to learn more.

Undergraduate programs with additional requirements

Some programs require students to apply to both Coppin and their major. These programs have additional admission requirements and/or separate application process:

• Nursing
• Health Information Management
• Social Work
• Education

Please direct any questions about these programs and requirements to the specific program or department.

Save money and time to earn your associate’s and bachelor’s degrees through Coppin State University’s guaranteed admission and reverse transfer process. Coppin has guaranteed admission agreements with some Maryland community colleges that allow students to earn an associate’s degree at an approved community college and then complete a bachelor’s degree at Coppin State University with only 2 additional years of study. Take advantage of our growing list of reverse transfer agreements with local schools, including:

• Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)
• Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)
• College of Southern Maryland (CSM)
• Garrett College (GC)
• Colorado Community College System (CCCS)

What is guaranteed admission?

Commonly called a 2+2 agreement, a guaranteed admission agreement is an arrangement between Coppin and a 2-year institution that provides a clear transfer path for successful students. Student who qualify for Coppin admission through a guaranteed admission agreement will be “guaranteed” admission as a junior year student.

What is an articulation agreement?

It’s a CSU-approved agreement with another school that allows a student to apply credits to a specific program at the other school. Applied credits may be used to enter, transfer, or advance standing in a program at the agreeing institution.

You may be eligible for guaranteed admission or reverse transfer, if you meet the criteria. Consider continuing your education at Coppin if you:

• are in good academic standing at your community college
• have finished 15 or more credits at an approved community college
• have finished 60 or more total credits at CSU and an approved community college
• do not yet have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
• have a minimum grade point average (GPA) at CSU and an approved community college

Please note, some agreements may require more students meet additional criteria.

Still have questions after reviewing the eligibility requirements? Reach out to our Transfer Coordinator.

Articulation Agreements

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)

Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)

Carroll Community College

College of Southern Maryland

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS)

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)

Garrett College

Harford Community College

Montgomery College

Save money and time to earn your associate’s and bachelor’s degrees through Coppin State University’s guaranteed admission and reverse transfer process. Coppin has guaranteed admission agreements with some Maryland community colleges that allow students to earn an associate’s degree at an approved community college and then complete a bachelor’s degree at Coppin State University with only 2 additional years of study. Take advantage of our growing list of reverse transfer agreements with local schools, including:

• Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)
• Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)
• College of Southern Maryland (CSM)
• Garrett College (GC)
• Colorado Community College System (CCCS)

What is guaranteed admission?

Commonly called a 2+2 agreement, a guaranteed admission agreement is an arrangement between Coppin and a 2-year institution that provides a clear transfer path for successful students. Student who qualify for Coppin admission through a guaranteed admission agreement will be “guaranteed” admission as a junior year student.

What is an articulation agreement?

It’s a CSU-approved agreement with another school that allows a student to apply credits to a specific program at the other school. Applied credits may be used to enter, transfer, or advance standing in a program at the agreeing institution.

You may be eligible for guaranteed admission or reverse transfer, if you meet the criteria. Consider continuing your education at Coppin if you:

• are in good academic standing at your community college
• have finished 15 or more credits at an approved community college
• have finished 60 or more total credits at CSU and an approved community college
• do not yet have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
• have a minimum grade point average (GPA) at CSU and an approved community college

Please note, some agreements may require more students meet additional criteria.

Still have questions after reviewing the eligibility requirements? Reach out to our Transfer Coordinator.

Articulation Agreements

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)

Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)

Carroll Community College

College of Southern Maryland

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS)

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)

Garrett College

Harford Community College

Montgomery College

Know How Residency Affects Your Tuition

Residency is a policy established by the University System of Maryland (USM) to make sure there is a fair and equitable process to determine a student’s classification and tuition rates across all Maryland state schools. Coppin State University uses residency information to determine if a student is considered a Maryland resident and is therefore eligible for in-state tuition status. The USM site also has available Frequently Asked Questions information regarding residency to assist you as you complete the residency form.

In-State Residency Eligibility

To qualify for in-state status, a student must submit the Residency Form within the Application for Admission and demonstrate all of the following requirements for the 12-month period immediately before the semester or term a student is seeking in-state tuition. The USM Residency Policy states a student must:

• Have continuously kept their primary residence in Maryland
• Have kept all personal property in Maryland, including but not limited to furniture, personal belongings, and pets
• Have paid Maryland income tax on all taxable income and filed a Maryland Resident Tax Return
• Have registered all owned or leased vehicles in Maryland for at least 12 consecutive months. Check the official Residency Policy for other accepted conditions for motor vehicles
• Have kept a valid Maryland driver’s license for at least 12 consecutive months. Check the official Residency Policy for other conditions that satisfy this requirement
• Be currently registered to vote in Maryland
• Receive no public assistance from any state, city, county, or municipality outside the State of Maryland
• Have a legal federal and state right to live in Maryland, permanently and without interruption

Initial Residency Determination

The initial Residency determination is made in accordance with the residency policy. All students must complete the Residency Form as a part of the Application for Admissions. The deadline to submit the Residency Application is the first day of classes for the semester you choose to enroll.

Out-of-State Residency Classification

You must be a resident of Maryland and meet all the USM criteria to qualify for in-state tuition. You qualify for out-of-state tuition if you are: 

• Attending school or living outside Maryland when you apply or are admitted to Coppin (or another USM school)
• Financially dependent on a person who is not a Maryland resident

How to Change Residency Status

You may petition to change your residency status by submitting a completed Residency Petition Form and any supporting documentation to the Office of Records and Registration. We cannot accept faxed or emailed Residency Petition forms. The form includes information on where to send a hard copy when complete.

• Attending school or living outside Maryland when you apply or are admitted to Coppin (or another USM school)
• Financially dependent on a person who is not a Maryland resident

DACA & Maryland Dream Act

DACA: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs protects youth who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA students can temporarily qualify for in-state tuition if they submit the approval notification of their Deferred Action status (I-797, notice of action) AND the Maryland Residency Form to the Office of Admissions by the first day of classes of their intended entry term. Deferred Action status must be held for 12 consecutive months prior to the start of the term to be eligible for in-state tuition rates. For more information, please email admissions@coppin.edu.

The Maryland Dream Act: University System of Maryland Nonresident Tuition Exemption for Eligible Maryland High School Graduates

The Dream Act qualifies any student, other than a non-immigrant alien, within the meaning of 8 U.S.C.- 1101(A)(15), who meets all of the requirements listed on the form, for in-state tuition at all public colleges and universities in Maryland. To be eligible, the student must submit the USM Tuition Exemption Request form and provide the required supporting documentation. The required supporting documents are listed on the form.

NOTE: Applicants who hold Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status should not complete the University System of Maryland Tuition Exemption Request form.