Have you developed a recent interest you want to explore? Or maybe you want to take one class before committing to a full program? Consider taking one or more undergraduate or graduate courses as a non-degree student—that way you don’t have to worry about finding the time and money to earn a full degree!

As a non-degree student, you can take up to 55 credits before you must change to degree-seeking status. Remember, you must find your own funding to pay for courses because non-degree students are not eligible for federal financial aid.

What do I need to apply as a non-degree student?

In addition to your non-degree application, we need some additional information. Read carefully to decide what supplemental documentation best applies to you and your situation and then submit one of the following:

• Official final high transcript with verification of graduation
• High school diploma or documentation
• GED or high school equivalency
• Official college transcript from a regionally accredited institution that includes verification of your high school graduation

How do I change my status from a non-degree student to a degree-seeking student?

Ready to commit to a full program? We make it easy for non-degree students to be considered for degree-seeking admissions. We’re looking for non-degree students with:

• 2.0 or higher Coppin grade point average (GPA) and
• 12 or more Coppin credits

Here’s what our Office of Admissions needs from you

• Complete admission application
• Official transcripts from all schools or institutions attended

Apply

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

24 x 7 Support

Whether you’re first in your family to pursue college or following in a long legacy of college grads, you can thrive at Coppin. Think you’re ready to take that next step? See everything Coppin has to offer—and what we’re looking for in our next class of Coppin Eagles.

We are looking for students who have completed or expect to complete the following requirements:

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of physical and life science (must include 2 years of lab experience)
• 3 years of social science or history (e.g. U.S. history, world history, local/state/national government)
• 4 years of mathematics (e.g. algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, etc.)
• 2 years of world languages and/or advanced technology education

Students must also meet all requirements for attendance, service learning, and any additional local school system requirements, if applicable.

Did you know you may not need to submit ACT or SAT scores? Refer to our Standardized Test Policy to check if our test-optional policy applies to you.

Go for your goals. 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.

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 now

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, or complete and submit the printable application via mail. The printable application may also be scanned and emailed to graduatestudies@coppin.edu. If submitting a paper application, hand-deliver, or mail your completed application and all supplemental materials to:

Coppin State University
Office of Graduate Admissions
Grace Hill Jacobs Building, Room 438
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. Pay your non-refundable application fee through the online application, through EaglePay, or through the Office of the Bursar.

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

An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is required. A transcript is a record of all your academic coursework. 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.

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 written statement from a person who knows you well enough to talk about your character, integrity, and academic potential. Consider asking your current employer, instructor(s), community leaders, or anyone else who can speak professionally about you and your accomplishments to write a letter of recommendation for you.

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
Grace Hill Jacobs Building, Room 438
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698

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)

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 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 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

Use this form for initial residency determination.

Please submit the Residency application form to the Office of Admissions when complete.

• Mail form to:

  Coppin State University
  Office of Admissions
  2500 W. North Avenue
  Baltimore, Maryland 21216

• Email form to:
  admissions@coppin.edu

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.