Bowie State University News August 4, 2011 Bowie State University Makes 2011 America's Top Colleges List (Bowie, MD) - Bowie State University has been named one of America's Top Colleges for 2011 by Forbes magazine, ranking BSU in the top 20 percent of the nation's four-year undergraduate institutions. The 650 institutions included in the list are described as the best public and private colleges and universities from the students' point of view. Institutions included on the list, available in the August issue of Forbes, were evaluated on criteria that students view as most important in selecting a college, including student satisfaction, postgraduate success, graduation rate, student debt and competitive awards. "We are proud of Bowie State University's success in preparing students for successful futures with high-quality, affordable degree programs that don't leave them overburdened with debt," said President Mickey L. Burnim. "We appreciate the recognition from Forbes magazine and take it as an indication that we are serving our students well." With Bowie State's central location between Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Annapolis, students have capitalized on internships and other opportunities with organizations such as NASA, Southwest Airlines, the National Security Agency, NBC, Booz Allen Hamilton, the American Film Institute, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Department of Homeland Security. Student Government Association President Jamin Gallman, says he's not surprised that Bowie State is included in this ranking. "Students not only receive a great academic experience at Bowie State, but we also learn essential life lessons. The university provides great guidance and support for students," said Gallman. "Bowie State's focus on our success is evident and contributes to the love we have for the university." While other sources rank colleges on reputation, Forbes uses objective data to assess institutions. The Center for College Affordability and Productivity worked with the magazine to compile America's Best Colleges 2011. Bowie State University is a leader in educating low income and first generation students with nearly 90 percent of students receiving financial aid. The University graduated more than 900 students last year with baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees in 49 academic programs. ### Brandon Yancey, a Bowie State University graduate student majoring in organizational communications, was a contributing writer for this press release. ABOUT BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds who seek a high quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The University places special emphasis on the science, technology, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit the website at www.bowiestate.edu. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.