Frostburg State was founded in 1898 as State Normal School #2, authorized by the Maryland General Assembly. The first campus structure was completed in 1900, and the first commencement ceremony was held in 1904. The name was changed to State Teachers’ College at Frostburg in 1935, and four year programs were added in 1960. The College was granted University status in 1987 and joined the Maryland State University system the following year.
Frostburg State University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Its mission statement says in part, “Couched within a liberal arts tradition, undergraduate programs promote intellectual growth and equip learners with problem-solving and decision-making abilities useful in developing global understanding and effecting civic responsibility and constructive change.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.
Frostburg State University
Academics
Frostburg State offers nearly 50 majors and programs of study with numerous minors and supporting concentrations available. The student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1, giving Frostburg a “small college feel,” and the overwhelming majority of classes have fewer than 30 students in them. There are nearly 250 full-time faculty members, 80% of whom have the terminal degree in their field. Frostburg offers special academic opportunities for students with diverse interests and accomplishments, including an Honors Program, Learning Communities, education and teacher certifications, and internships. There are nearly a dozen pre-professional programs available, including pre-medical, pre-law, and pre-dentistry.
Frostburg State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 3 colleges: the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as art & design, biology, education, engineering, geography, liberal studies, mathematics, nursing, recreation and parks management, and social work. There are also certificate programs in addictions counselor preparation, computer print graphics, computer science (various options), international area studies, and child and family psychology. Minors are offered in many of the above majors and in other areas such as writing, art history, environmental humanities, forestry, and leadership studies.
Graduate programs are offered at the master’s level in teaching, business administration, education, applied computer science, biological sciences, counseling psychology, park & recreation resource management, and engineering.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Frostburg State University.
The Center for Regional Progress may be of interest to any student who lives or plans to work in the “tri-state area,” which includes Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The Center serves as a repository and provider of information regarding economics, population, demographics, statistics, and other data regarding the region. The primary means of communication from the Center is the Regional Review newsletter.
The Children’s Literature Centre at Frostburg State grew out of the Spring Festival of Children’s Literature, founded as an honorarium to friends of the University. Today it disseminates good examples of children’s literature, advocates literacy, collaborates with other similar organizations, and bridges understanding about children’s reading habits.
The Environmental Planning & Land Management Institute provides grants to faculty and students for environmental research projects, and focuses on current and historical aspects of the local environment for the purposes of providing educational opportunities and addressing interests in the environment.
Frostburg State University has an undergraduate Honors Program. Students who seek admission to the Honors Program need to meet the following requirements: 3.5 high school GPA or 1180 SAT, with an SAT verbal of 580 desired. Once admitted to the Honors Program, students will be able to take special multidisciplinary programs, have travel/study experiences, and work on equal basis with faculty and administrators on program requirements and other activities. Students in the Honors Program have the opportunity to apply for research stipends to assist a professor with on-going research.
Frostburg State University offers optional Learning Community groups, where students take two or more related courses with the same classmates. Most courses are part of the General Education Requirements for all students.
Frostburg State University
Admissions
Frostburg State University has a rolling undergraduate admissions deadline; fall or winter applications are encouraged for the next fall term. The application fee is $30. Applications can be submitted on-line. Students who are enrolled in high school at the time of application will need to have their official final high school transcripts sent after graduation to the Admissions Office.
As part of their application, students should submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT test scores. Letters of recommendation and an essay are optional. Students should have completed high school courses as follows: 4 units of English, 3 units of mathematics, 3 units of history and social studies, 3 units of science, and 2 units of a foreign language (or 2 units of advanced technology for Maryland students). Students will be admitted based on a combination of their high school performance, their SAT scores, and other materials if supplied.
Transfer students and international students will have varying requirements depending upon their prior educational background.
Students applying to the graduate programs at Frostburg State University should consult the individual department and/or school to which they are applying. Applications can be submitted on-line, and the application fee is $30. General requirements include the GRE or other appropriate test scores (such as the GMAT) and a bachelor’s degree. The recommended graduate application deadline is early during the semester preceding enrollment.
Applicants to Frostburg State are required to have completed a college preparatory curriculum prior to admission, including four units of English, three units each of history, science, and mathematics, and two units each of a foreign language (or for Maryland residents, two units of advanced technology). Students may have the foreign language requirement waived if the can prove proficiency in a foreign language through certification or testing. Students who have not completed such a curriculum may be admitted, but they must make up their deficiencies through University coursework. Frostburg does not overtly state any quantitative standards or requirements for students wishing to gain admission. Rather, they cite that high school grade point average is important, primarily those grade point averages gained in the junior year of high school and, perhaps most importantly, the first semester of an applicant’s senior year. The only “hard” standard that Frostburg maintains is that students having a grade point average less than 2.0 or scoring less than 850 on the SAT will not be admitted. The ACT or SAT examinations are also cited as indicators, but only inasmuch as the applicant’s scores “predict success in college.” All true, first-time freshman applicants (any first year entering student with less than 13 college credits) must take diagnostic tests to determine if any special needs exist or if any proficiency coursework is necessary.
Financial Aid
Students seeking aid should complete their FAFSA as soon as possible and plan on submitting all other materials to meet the March 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration. Scholarships fall under one of two categories: institutional or departmental. Institutional scholarships are general in nature and typically subjected to the same academic requirements, including grade point average and class rank. Departmental scholarships have similar requirements, but may also require proof of the applicant’s proficiency in the given subject. Such departmental scholarships are available for approximately 25 disciplines, including accounting, computer science, education, music, physics, visual arts, and others.
Tuition at Frostburg State University is $2,500 per semester for the 2005-2006 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Additional mandatory fees are $615 per semester. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs. Residents of some nearby counties in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia are eligible for reduced out-of-state tuition rates.
Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line. Engineering students have special programs requiring additional steps.
Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process. Students who are in the Master of Arts in Teaching program must take additional steps.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Frostburg State University 2017th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Maryland scholarships and financial aid
Frostburg is home to over 130 student clubs and organizations and a nationally recognized AmeriCorps program. Frostburg provides the First Year Program, which supports new students in their adaptation to university life. The First Year Program includes living communities focusing on specific interests such as community service, substance-free lifestyle, and leadership development. The University Center houses eateries, meeting space, the theatre box office, and coffee shop. There are also places for relaxing with friends and playing games. There are a number of fraternities and sororities on campus that emphasize community service and leadership development. Perhaps the largest on-campus events of the year are Homecoming and Family Weekend, which are open to all students and their families.
Student life at Frostburg State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. Programs include fraternities and sororities, academic and professional organizations, religious groups, political groups, and special interest groups such as Fourth Dimension Science Fiction Club, the Kittenettes Precision Dance Team, the Sierra Club, and Orienteering. There is a literary magazine and a student newspaper.
The Cultural Events Series presents plays and musical performances, and there are numerous intramural sports and athletic activities. Off-campus rafting, skiing, and hiking activities are organized for student participation.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Frostburg State University?
Frostburg State University is an NCAA Division III School. Teams compete in the Eastern College Athletic Conference, the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference, the Atlantic Central Football Conference, or the Mason-Dixon Conference, depending on the sport. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, swimming and diving, soccer, tennis, and track & field. Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track & field, and volleyball. The sports teams are supported by a spirit squad, which includes a co-educational cheerleading team, a mascot, and a marching band. The team nick-name is the Bobcats.
Athletic facilities at Frostburg State University include the Harold J. Cordts Physical Education Center, which contains a pool a diving well, two gymnasiums, weight rooms, and other athletic facilities; the Bobcat Arena; a stadium; separate fields for baseball, softball, soccer, and field hockey/lacrosse; and a tennis complex.
Among the championships and awards that Frostburg State University has received are numerous championships and tournament appearances in all sports, including NCAA national championships in men’s track & field.
The Frostburg State Bobcats compete in the NCAA Division III, the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference, the Atlantic Central Football Conference, the Mason-Dixon Conference, and the Easter College Athletic Conference. Sports include baseball, cheerleading, field hockey, football, golf, lacrosse, softball, swimming & diving, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, and track & field. The Bobcats have a good deal of experience in postseason participation. In 2000-2001, seven Bobcat teams won AMCC championships, five teams participated in NCAA tournaments, and five teams participated in ECAC tournaments. The men’s track & field team has won NCAA Division III National Championships in indoor and outdoor track & field. Other accolades include six MIC Championship titles for the baseball team, seven AMCC Championships for men’s cross country, six AMCC Championships for women’s cross country, three ACFC Championships and two ECAC Championships for football, and seven AMCC Championships for volleyball. Bobcat Stadium, home to Bobcat football, seats 4,000 and includes an eight-lane, 400-meter track for track & field. The Cordts Physical Education Center houses two arenas—the primary facility being Bobcat Arena with 3,600 seats—Olympic size swimming and diving facilities, racquetball courts, golf and baseball practice facilities, and exercise rooms. It is also equipped for archery, tennis, and gymnastics and includes classroom space.
Local Community
Frostburg is located on the far eastern edge of Maryland and has a population of nearly 8,000. The town bills itself as “an Historic Main Street community,” referring to its revitalized downtown square and main thoroughfare. Though the town may be small in population, it is home to 18 churches and 6 parks. The most famous of Frostburg attractions is the Allegheny Highlands Trail that will eventually link Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland through a series of hiking and biking trails for nearly 400 miles.
Familiar with this school? We would love to hear about your experience. Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding Frostburg State University, or discuss this school in the University Discussion Forum
4 months agoJenna jlupinetti0 ((at)) gmail dot com
As a 3rd year graduate student at Frostburg, I have a few things to say. I'll be graduating with my Masters in Counseling Psychology this coming spring and will be a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) (after receiving the 3000 supervised hours necessary for licensure). My graduate experience at Frostburg has been wonderful. For my undergrad, I went to Stevenson University (of course it was called Villa Julie when I went), a small private institution near Baltimore. If you were to compare the two, at first glance, you would say Stevenson is the better school. However, I've gotten so much more out of my education at Frostburg than I did at Stevenson. And that's saying something considering Stevenson is a great school. Yes, Frostburg is small, and yes, as Pmeyers pointed out below, it is what you make it. So if you choose to get drunk 4 nights a week, and not take your college education seriously because you're not paying for it, then no, you're not going to come out with much. Most of Frostburg's graduate faculty in the Psychology department are great teachers, and the Program Coordinator genuinely cares about producing qualified, competent therapists. He is also insistent upon instilling confidence in his students. Right now, during my third and final year (it's a 3-year, 60-credit Masters), I've got a great counseling internship at the Western Maryland Health System. I'm getting to rotate between the Addictions Unit, the Emergency Department, and Intensive Outpatient. It's offering me invaluable experience. Also, while I've been at Frostburg, I've had a graduate assistantship for all 3 years, so in exchange for working 20 hours per week, I've gotten my tuition paid for and a stipend of 2500 each year. Pretty sweet deal. All I'm saying is I'm getting my money's worth at Frostburg. Also, I feel the need to mention one more thing. As a Graduate Assistant (GA), I work in the Education Department under the Secondary Program Coordinator. Having worked closely with him, I can say that he is super dedicated to putting out the best teachers possible. And he's an excellent instructor. After he got his doctorate in History, he taught as a high school teacher (!) in a Baltimore Charter School for a couple years because he wanted to make a difference. And now, he's at Frostburg trying to make another kind of a difference. If you really want to know what Frostburg is like, ask a dedicated, hard-working student. Trust me, Frostburg is not a joke unless you make it one.
about 3 years agopmyers p_myers6 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I am a 1975 graduate of FSC (yes, it was FSC for awhile). I must admit that I have only been back to Frostburg once since I graduated 33 years ago - so I would not be a valid source to answer "What's FSU got to offer me?" However, I can say that if I had it to do all over again, FSU would again be my choice. The town was warm, I soent many evenings visiting w/ my professors in their homes and campus-life was everything that I made it to be. Your college career is going to be what you make it - goof off and get little out of it and years later you will not speak highly of it . . . apply yourself, benefit from it and you will speak highly off Frostburg. One should not blame the college (or the city itself) for their poor experiences-if something is lacking, then fix it, if something's not right, then work to change it - but by all means, in Frostburg, bring a good winter coat, a hat, scarf, gloves and boots - I miss the snows of Allegany County.
almost 4 years agocatina catinafemi ((at)) hotmail dot com
First time I looked at this website since I graduated, and I must say I am dissapointed in the comments. I graduated in 2002, and my years at FSU were the best. I loved the school, campus, events, parties,classes, professors, my friends, everything. This is a great school to attend and it is safe. I could walk home from a party at 1am alone and not be in fear. Also, alot of times I did not get to do my daily run until I got off from my waitress job and I would run the streets/campus at 10pm and I was never afraid. I will admit that the off campus houseing left alot to be desired, but we were college kids and trash them ourselves, so I understand why the landlords dont put alot of money into fixing them up. In conclusion, FSU is a good school.
almost 4 years agoDude Man dude ((at)) lol dot com
Why didn't you just switch colleges. Jeremy =/
almost 4 years agoJeremy Tipton jtipton0 ((at)) frostburg dot edu
There is not one good thing to mention about Frostburg and its university. The locals look like they came out of a hole in a mountain. Frostburg is stuck in the early 1900's. If anyone is considering coming to Frostburg State University, don't. You will be making a 4 year mistake as I did.
about 4 years agoAndrea De Palatis spectrumllc ((at)) verizon dot net
The community and the University are actively working hard, and making progress, in bringing the University and the town together. FrostburgFirst (the Main Street Program, other town organizations,and many University organizatons are working together on events and issues. If you are in town Dec. 1st for the Storybook Holiday, you will see an example of the town/gown relationship at it's best.
Improved code enforcement is a priority with the City Government throughout the City.
This is a relationship that is evolving in a positive way, and we are dealing with many issues that are common to university towns. For a different view of our community you might visit the web site of the Main Street Program at www.frostburgfirst.org
about 4 years agoKaren Moore kmoore07 ((at)) atlanticbroadband dot net
I'm a graduate of FSU as well as 3 of my sons. My youngest son is now attending and lives off campus. One thing that I find very distressing, is the condition of off campus housing. The whole bottom half of Frostburg is nothing but a garbage pit of beer cans and trash.
I lived in frostburg for the first 25 years of my life and remember housing around FSU looking neat and well kept. Why does the city allow this to happen???
over 4 years agoStudent1 jhcrb ((at)) aol dot com
Before you go to this school, ask how the community feels about the college students- They don't like them at all and will let you know. The school does not care about the community.
This website and associated pages are not associated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Frostburg State University. StateUniversity.com has no official or unofficial affiliation with Frostburg State University.
jlupinetti0 ((at)) gmail dot com
As a 3rd year graduate student at Frostburg, I have a few things to say. I'll be graduating with my Masters in Counseling Psychology this coming spring and will be a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) (after receiving the 3000 supervised hours necessary for licensure). My graduate experience at Frostburg has been wonderful. For my undergrad, I went to Stevenson University (of course it was called Villa Julie when I went), a small private institution near Baltimore. If you were to compare the two, at first glance, you would say Stevenson is the better school. However, I've gotten so much more out of my education at Frostburg than I did at Stevenson. And that's saying something considering Stevenson is a great school. Yes, Frostburg is small, and yes, as Pmeyers pointed out below, it is what you make it. So if you choose to get drunk 4 nights a week, and not take your college education seriously because you're not paying for it, then no, you're not going to come out with much. Most of Frostburg's graduate faculty in the Psychology department are great teachers, and the Program Coordinator genuinely cares about producing qualified, competent therapists. He is also insistent upon instilling confidence in his students. Right now, during my third and final year (it's a 3-year, 60-credit Masters), I've got a great counseling internship at the Western Maryland Health System. I'm getting to rotate between the Addictions Unit, the Emergency Department, and Intensive Outpatient. It's offering me invaluable experience. Also, while I've been at Frostburg, I've had a graduate assistantship for all 3 years, so in exchange for working 20 hours per week, I've gotten my tuition paid for and a stipend of 2500 each year. Pretty sweet deal. All I'm saying is I'm getting my money's worth at Frostburg. Also, I feel the need to mention one more thing. As a Graduate Assistant (GA), I work in the Education Department under the Secondary Program Coordinator. Having worked closely with him, I can say that he is super dedicated to putting out the best teachers possible. And he's an excellent instructor. After he got his doctorate in History, he taught as a high school teacher (!) in a Baltimore Charter School for a couple years because he wanted to make a difference. And now, he's at Frostburg trying to make another kind of a difference. If you really want to know what Frostburg is like, ask a dedicated, hard-working student. Trust me, Frostburg is not a joke unless you make it one.